Got another quarter turn on hitch bolts

[mickjetblue]

I checked the bolts on a couple receiver hitches that were bolted onto
frames into welded in-frame nuts. They were tight last year, but I got
another quarter turn on them this spring. Metal must have some flex to
it and gives a bit over time, and usage.

 

[gd8boltman]

Re: Got another quarter turn on hitch bolts

If I was you, I would remove those bolts and thread in new ones using blue loc-tite and torque them. Bolts can loosen due to thread stretching, which although the bolts are not broken is a sign of failure. When you tighten a fastener, you stretch the threads, and as you keep tightening when it loosens, you stretch them further. While they may tighten initially, they will not stay that way, as the threads are likely overstretched.

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Got another quarter turn on hitch bolts

If I was you, I would remove those bolts and thread in new ones using blue loc-tite and torque them. Bolts can loosen due to thread stretching, which although the bolts are not broken is a sign of failure. When you tighten a fastener, you stretch the threads, and as you keep tightening when it loosens, you stretch them further. While they may tighten initially, they will not stay that way, as the threads are likely overstretched.

Good Advise! Streched too much and you could possible loose the whole unit and all.

I've accually seen people arc weld it right to the frame for super support.

 

[Lakester]

Re: Got another quarter turn on hitch bolts

Bolts can loosen due to thread stretching, which although the bolts are not broken is a sign of failure.

hello,

not so sure i would take this advice at face value. i have re-tighten'd many bolts over the years and i dont remember one breaking. well, maybe one.

also the proper way to set the torque on a head bolt on more precise engines such as racing engines is to set the torque load according to bolt stretch. special fixtures using dial indicators are used for the job.

just a thot to pass along.

but in any event, you cant go wrong in most mechanical assembly jobs calling for bolt to nut retention to use locktite BLUE. in fact, i have a fresh tube i keep in my "always with me tool kit". for best results have clean threads, grease-free, etc.

gotta love that lock-tite BLUE. red, too!!

regards
lakester