Troubleshooting Hitch Bolts Not Fitting Weld Nuts on 2006 Pontiac Torrent

Updated 10/27/2025 | Published 03/01/2025

Question:

2006 Pontiac Torrent. The four bolts that go on outside dont fit into the hole. I sprayed it and cleaned it the best I could and cant get the bolts to thread. The two on the bottom middle fit with some resistance. Do you have any suggestions before I go and have this installed by someone?

asked by: Anthony M

Expert Reply:

Hey Anthony, thanks for reaching out!

As a last resort, before taking your 2006 Torrent to a shop, you can try using a thread tapping tool for the M12 bolts to clear out those weld nuts. If that doesn't work, then taking it to a shop to get the etrailer Hitch # e98865 would be your best bet.

I definitely feel your pain on the hitch not being a simple install. I put an etrailer hitch on my 2010 Town and Country and the factory bolts were used for the installation. They were stuck so bad it took me WAY longer to install the hitch than it really should have - that's one of the downsides of installing hitches on older vehicles.

expert reply by: Jon G

Jon G.

10/27/2025

Hey Anthony, how did things go with the hitch on your Torrent after trying the thread tapping tool? Your update could make it easier for others dealing with the same bolt issue on older vehicles.