Spare Tire Bolt Removal

Atlantic28

Atlantic28

Junior Member
Got a side-mount spare on my 29 CCPU. One of the bolts that holds the spare has threads that are worn to the point that a lug nut will not hold securely.

The bolt has a square section where it passes through the plate. Can't tell if it is swedged or not, but tapping on it did not seem to move it. Should I smack it with a 3 lb hammer, use heat, or ??? How do these bolts get held in place?
Doug
 
Go ahead and smack it with your 3# hammer. It will come out. Replacement bolts are available at most suppliers. Snyder's info:

This special bolt has a square shoulder on it. It is used on the side mount spare tire plates, and on the rear mount spare tire carriers that have a square hole in them. U.S.A
 

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Got the bolt from Snyder's. Now, how to I get the old bolt out? Tried hitting with 3 # hammer, but no luck. Heated the plate to expand the square hole, but no success. Now, I'm trying to drill the old bolt out. At this rate, I may just have to break down and buy a complete plate with bolts already installed.

Anything else I should try before giving up?
Doug
 
remove the plate and lay the head of the bolt over a socket and drive it out. use a socket that just fits over the head of the bolt
 
First did you try to use a tap and die set it freshen up the thread first?
Next you put an oversized socket on the nut, and the heaviest C clamp and with heat that can usually work. If not, use a press, just banging it is not the best, and you will need a press to get the new one in.
 
The bolt in question had been subjected to many miles of vibration with no lug nut on it. Not enough metal left to rethread it properly.

JW had the right idea, at least for my case. Putting a socket over the head of the bolt and giving a healthy smack or two popped it right out.

The new bolt fits fairly loosely, so a press isn't needed. I used a cold chisel to swedge the new bolt in place. Seems to be holding nicely.

Thanks for all the suggestions!
Doug :)
 
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