Tow hitch bolt spinning

[loneranger]

I went to remove my tow hitch on the weekend to fit an APT fuel tank guard and one of the 4 bolts in rear cross member was loose and spinning. I haven't been able to get it out and have tried a variety of methods. I'm going to call the dealer tomorrow as the vehicle is still under warranty and they fitted the towbar.

Has anyone else had this issue and is there an easy fix?

[Mick_Marsh]

I have used one of these with success.
http://www.gotstock.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/450x/a4e40ebdc3e371adff845072e1c73f37/6/7/674166003329098.png

I used it to hold the neck of the ball whilst using a ring spanner on the nut.

[Toxic_Avenger]

I think he means one of the 4 bolts below (Pics courtesy of John3950, posted in the puma thread. Click pic for sauce post)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/782.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php?p=2559253#post2559253)

[Toxic_Avenger]

As for the fix... have you tried a spanner in the hole?
If you have means to get a drill or rattle gun on the bolt, sometimes the speed of the gun can undo the bolt (unless it's really loose).

[p38arover]

. Click pic for sauce post)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/781.jpg

[Toxic_Avenger]

COME IN SPINNER!!!
I knew someone would pick that up.
It's colloquial for 'source'. Link. (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php'term=Sauce)
;-)

[loneranger]

The nuts appear to be in a sealed box unit so I can't get at the other side.

[Toxic_Avenger]

You know the answer:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/761.jpg

:twisted::twisted::twisted:

[loneranger]

Dropped into the dealer on the way home today. They're going to send it off to LRA for a warranty claim as they fitted the towbar.

The solution appears to be either drop the fuel tank and cut a hole in the back of the cross member to remove the existing nut or replace the cross member.

[Don 130]

Drill the head off the bolt. Centre punch dead centre first.
Don.

[weeds]

Drill the head off the bolt. Centre punch dead centre first.
Don.

i assume there is a captive nut that has come adrift.............which needs addressing

[loneranger]

i assume there is a captive nut that has come adrift.............which needs addressing

That's the issue the captive nuts appear to be inside a box so it's a case of the easiest way to get into the box without causing problems later on.

[Toxic_Avenger]

The case for the gas axe is getting stronger. :p

[loneranger]

The case for the gas axe is getting stronger. :p

As long as someone else is doing it at someone else's cost. :D