M14 Bolts for Trailer Hitch 13322 Will Not Thread Into Weld Nuts on a 1999 Chevy Silverado

Updated 03/24/2014 | Published 03/20/2014

Question:

I purchased a Curt 13322 hitch for my 1999 Chevy Silverado. I went to install it today and the M14-2 bolts would not thread into the weldnuts on the bumper or the weldnuts on the frame. I can get it to thread a couple threads in, but when I take the bolt back out it looks like the threads are damaged. I am afraid to force the bolts into the weldnuts. On a whim I tried the 1/2-13 carriage bolt provided and it would thread into the weldnuts. Is it possible the weldnuts are 1/2-13 not M14-2?

asked by: Gary P

Helpful Expert Reply:

The likely problem is that the weld nuts on your 1999 Chevy Silverado have corrosion and road grime in them and will need to be cleaned out prior to threading the bolts in. This actually comes up a lot on any vehicle that has seen at least one winter. I have included a link to are help article that explains how to clean out the weld nuts so you can install the bolts.

You do not want to force the bolts in because you could end up breaking a weld nut. And you would not want to use a different size to compensate for the packed weld nuts because it would be too loose. I have also linked a video showing the weld nut cleaning procedure.

expert reply by: Michael H