Troubleshooting Installation of 2008 FJ Cruiser Front Mounted Hitch

Question:

Bougt the front hitch mount and during install the bolts on the inside would not loosen. The lower bolt of the three on the inside loosened up with a 14mm Ratchet just fine. Help

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

With factory bolts, there is often thread locker or binding from time and debris. I recommend using a penetrating oil lubricant to work into the threading to allow you to loosen the nut. I recommend spraying the oil all the way around the nut only where it makes contact with the bolt and then using a wrench and mallet to add vibration to that nut. The vibration will help the oil get inside and loosen the hold. You may need to use a breaker bar to get the torque needed to loosen the bolt even when using this penetrating oil.

expert reply by: Jason S