Cleaning Out Weldnuts to Install a Trailer Hitch is Not Working on a 2005 Honda Odyssey

Updated 06/10/2013 | Published 06/09/2013

Question:

Im having difficulty getting the bolts started in my 2005 Honda Odyessy. I cleaned out rust using a battery cable cleaner. The bolts are fine thread. Is it possible that I need course thread? Do you have any other recommendations to get the bolts started?

asked by: Chuck T

Expert Reply:

Cleaning weldnuts out on a vehicle in order to install a trailer hitch takes a lot of time and elbow grease. Basically the weldnuts may appear to be clean but getting all of the grime out can take longer than you might think. Make sure you are use a lubricant like WD-40 or PB Blaster.

I do not believe this is a case of fine thread vs coarse thread but you could go find a coarse threaded bolt of the same size and see if it goes in to solve that mystery.

And if all else fails you could go to an auto parts store and borrow a tap to tap new threads in the weldnuts.You have to be very careful if you do this because you do not want to tap the weldnut at an angle or break the weldnut free from the frame. I have included some links that might help with the cleaning of the weldnuts for you.

expert reply by: Michael H