Troubleshooting Difficulty Torqueing Down 7/16" Hardware on 2022 Subaru Outback Wagon Trailer Hitch

Question:

On my 2022 outback wilderness, the installation went well until it came to torquing the 7/16 nuts on the bumper posts. They were hard to get to, but once I reached them they would not torque at 59 lbs. I tightened them until they wouldn’t budge. How can I be sure they will remain tight or is there another option of getting them to torque?

asked by: Tim B

Expert Reply:

Torqueing something to 59 ft-lbs shouldn't be too difficult so I'm wondering if the 7/16" bolts that came with your Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C67JR weren't seated properly in the frame of your 2022 Subaru Outback Wagon. Try loosening the nuts just enough that you can rotate the bolt and ensure the squared part is seated properly prior to torqueing it down.

These bolts are directly under the vehicle (see attached) so access should be pretty easy, although you may need an extension for the torque wrench to clear the parts under your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jon G