Cleaning or Tapping the Weld Nuts on a 2006 Honda Pilot to Install Curt Trailer Hitch, # 13328

Question:

I ordered a Curt trailer hitch for my 2006 Honda Pilot. It is due to arrive tomorrow so i was preparing the vehicle for installation by removing the toe hook and spraying the holes with WD40. I tried to thread the bolts from the toe hook into the passenger side holes and the threads are totally gone - from corrosion b/c nothing was in those holes. I assume I will have the same issue with the middle two holes. Can you give me any suggestions about how to address this so I will be able to install the hitch?

asked by: Dan S

Expert Reply:

The weld nuts on your 2006 Honda Pilot could just be so compacted with grime that they appear to be thread-less. I recommend giving them another good cleaning using the lubricant like you did before, and a stiff bristle wire brush like # DW00254. You may have to do this several times. I have linked a video of this process below.

If you still cannot thread the bolts in, even after a thorough cleaning, you may have to tap the holes to re-thread them and clean them out. I would use this as a last resort as the hole could easily be threaded improperly or the weld nut might break loose. There are tap kits you can get at a hardware store or you can make your own. I have included a video below on making a tap.

After the weld nuts are clean it should make the installation of Curt Trailer Hitch, # 13328, on your 2006 Honda Pilot a lot easier. I have included a link to the installation instructions and a video install of the hitch below for reference.

expert reply by: Michael H

Nathan

3/31/2020

I have the same vehicle 2006 pilot and one of my weld nuts broke. It’s the one closest to the front of the vehicle. I got it out but is it safe to use just the rear 2 on that side?

Chris R.

4/1/2020

I definitely don't recommend leaving the hitch in place with just the two good bolts on that side. This will essentially drop the capacity to an unknown number and also void its warranty. What you'll need to do is fish wire new hardware into the frame from a different opening and then out through the mounting hole. I linked a couple videos below that might help!

Helpful Links

tv-faq-how-to-use-a-half-inch-bolt-leader-80101-1.aspx

tv-faq-removing-and-replacing-broken-weldnut.aspx