Difficulty Threading in Bolts to Install Class III Hitch on 2016 GMC Terrain

Question:

Im having trouble getting my bolts to thread in. When I got it started it took a lot of force to get it to screw in half way. Is this normal? I used wd40 to help lubricate it. Could it just be a little corrosion making it difficult?

asked by: CJ

Expert Reply:

What you mention is pretty common. In areas where salt and other corrosive chemicals are used on the roads in the winter, corrosion and other goop can get built up in the nuts that are welded up into the frame to receive the bolts. An easy way to clean those out would be to use a round profile wire brush along with some spray lubricant. The brush on a battery terminal cleaner like # DW00254 works very well. Spray a bunch of the lubricant up in there and give each nut a good scrub. In some cases, a M12x1.25 thread tap will need to be used, but because your Terrain is not very old, you'll most likely have good luck with the brush.

expert reply by: Mike L