Cleaning Threaded Holes In Frame Of 2016 Nissan Murano To Install Trailer Hitch
Updated 08/07/2020 | Published 08/06/2020
Question:
My bolt holes were a little rusty. I sprayed them and cleaned them out but the bolts are not threading. Almost seem too big. How do I confirm I have the correct bolt? Do you have any other suggestions?
asked by: Brian D
Helpful Expert Reply:
The installation bolts should be M12 x 1.25 x 30, a hardware store should be able to confirm that the bolts you were provided are that size for you, but it's probably not necessary.
In the almost 14 years I've worked here, I've heard of less than a handful of cases where the incorrect hardware was included in a hitch kit, so it's incredibly likely that there's still some rust and debris up in the frame nuts that are preventing your from getting those bolts to thread. Even though your vehicle is only 4 years old, you'd be amazed at how much crud can build up in there so quickly, especially if you live somewhere that treats the roads with corrosive chemicals in the winter.
The first thing to try would be to use a wire brush like what would be found on a battery terminal cleaner like # DW00254. Spray a good amount of spray lubricant in the frame and scrub well with the brush. You might need to do this several times. If a couple of tries doesn't clean them up sufficiently to get the bolt to start threading, then you'll need to break out the big hammer and use a M12 x 1.25 thread tap.
