Can't Thread in Trailer Hitch Bolts on a 2009 Toyota Sienna

Updated 05/11/2015 | Published 05/09/2015

Question:

I have tried sraying lubricant and cleaning threads for the bolts to put the hitch on they are to be 12 X 1.25 supposedly and I went to hardware to confirm but the bolts just dont seem to start. This is a 2009 model I was wondering is somehow there was a fluke in production or am I doing something wrong here

asked by: Howard H

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have corrosion compacted in the weldnuts on your 2009 Toyota Sienna. All you can do is spray the lubricant, let it sit from about 15 minutes, and then go at the weldnuts with a wire brush. Do this repeatedly.

If that doesn't help you will likely have to use a thread tapper. An auto parts store can usually loan out a tap and die set. Just make sure that the set has the right M12 size and thread pattern to match the bolts.

If you haven't used a thread tapper before then I recommend having a mechanic do it because it can be tricky.

expert reply by: Michael H