Reuse Hitch Bolts??

[Silver_Crew]

Hitch has to be loosen up to mount some light brackets. So, I thought I would just take it off and paint it or have it powder coated while I'm at it.

Is it safe it reuse the bolts? What should they be torqued to? I looked in the shop manual for torque specs. I did not see anything on the truck hitch, just a mention of the hitch for the X.

Thanks

 

[DaveBen]

Torque specs can be found by Google if you give the bolt size. Type "torque specs for bolt sizes" into google and see what you get.

Dave

 

[95_stroker]

They should be safe to re-use. As Dave mentioned, just Google for torque specs. If you feel uncomfortable with re-using the bolts remember to replace with the proper grade bolt. The hitch bolts are probably a grade 8 and most hardware stores stock grade 5 which is softer.

 

[Silver_Crew]

Thanks guys, will "google" for torque specs. and reuse bolts. Thought I would ask about reuse to see if someone knew something that I might not have heard.

Don't want the trailer passing the truck, specially with part the truck attached.

 

[fordtrucker4life!]

I would re-use the bolts. Unless the hitch has been loose and wore a grove in the side of the bolt, they should be fine. I usually use an impact and tighten the nuts untill they stop turning. That is a very fast method. I have never had a hitch fall off and I have never torqued the bolts. I understand that you want to be safe though.

 

[jopes]

as a fastener point of view, they technically should only be used once. once torqued they will stretch, re-using them can stretch them past thier yeild point and cause a failure.

Now really what are new bolts going to run you? $10.00 at a fastener shop for the proper grade?

 

[FTG-05]

as a fastener point of view, they technically should only be used once. once torqued they will stretch, re-using them can stretch them past thier yeild point and cause a failure.

Now really what are new bolts going to run you? $10.00 at a fastener shop for the proper grade?[/QUOTE]

+1. "Proper grade" to me means Grade 8/Class 10.9.

Good luck.

Al

 

[BIG JOE]

as a fastener point of view, they technically should only be used once. once torqued they will stretch, re-using them can stretch them past thier yeild point and cause a failure.

Now really what are new bolts going to run you? $10.00 at a fastener shop for the proper grade?

WHAT JOPES SEZ FER SHUR.

AND... You had the question. So If you re-use the old bolts, yul ALLWAYZ have the question... as yer drive'n down the road tow'n whatever you tow.

It's a "Warm'n Fuzzy", know'n you used NEW nuts, bolts & washers and re-torqued them to Spec when you tear down anything haveing to do with a Hitch set-up. One of the best things 10 or 20 bucks can buy: Peace of Mind.

A "Safety Sam" Quip: Once Torqued, Forever Tweaked. Should Never Be Torqued again.