Troubleshooting Bolts Not Threading On etrailer Hitch For 2018 Kia Sportage EX

Updated 07/28/2022 | Published 07/26/2022

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

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$178.87

Battery Post and Terminal Cleaner - Wire Brush

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$5.02

Question:

2018 Kia Sportage EX Test fitting the 17mm bolts by hand and it looks like I may need 1 size smaller or a different thread. Mostly I cant get any of the threads grab the bolt. One of them goes in about 1/2 turn and stops. I backed it off so not to cross thread the weld nuts. the others wont even do that. I cleaned out the holes and lubed both the bolts and the threads on the weldnuts, thinking it was just dirt, but no luck. Im not sure what the next size down or alternate thread would be. Please advise Thanks Jeff

asked by: Jeff C

Expert Reply:

Sorry to hear that your bolts won't thread for your # e72TR installation. What you can do is use a M10 x 1.25 thread tap. The holes aren't always perfect but this will allow you to get the bolts that came with the hitch installed. I would not try to use a smaller bolt since it may not fit right, or at all, and you want your hitch to be secure.

You may want to give cleaning another try before you go this route. I have attached a helpful article with a video that outlines this process using WD-40 and the # DW00254.

expert reply by: Robin H