Tips for Cleaning Weld Nuts and Removing Bolts for a 2010 Dodge Caravan Trailer Hitch Installation

Question:

I have had this vehicle for about 8 months. It is now time to install a trailer hitch. I have done this before on a 1999 Caravan and the bolts were extremely difficult to remove. I am concerned that this may happen on my 2010. If this is a problem, what can I do to make it easier to remove these bolts other than brute force. Also, the bolts are very tight thread pitch. This makes it even worse if there is a bit of corrosion on the bolts. Thanks for the help.

asked by: John B

Expert Reply:

The first thing I would recommend before installing Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 75579, on your 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is to clean out the weld nuts on the vehicle. You can use some WD-40 and a wire brush like # DW00254. I have included a link to a video showing how our installers clean out weld nuts.

What this will do is clean out any dirt and corrosion from the threads so the bolts can install correctly. It also means that there will not be anything to bind the bolts which should make removing them easier if you ever need to.

Also, make sure that when you install the hitch, you torque the bolts to the specifications in the instructions, linked for reference, and do not over tighten them. Making them too tight could damage the frame or hardware which could cause the bolts to bind. It can also degrade the hitch.

Another tip is to use a penetrating spray like PB parts blaster. Generally, if you spray down the troubled bolts and let it soak in for 15 minutes or so, and repeat, it makes removing the bolts much easier.

expert reply by: Michael H