1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Front Tow Hook Bolt Removal & Re-Install

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by d_kinneyjr, Jan 4, 2021.

  1. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:19 PM
    #1
    d_kinneyjr

    d_kinneyjr [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2020
    Member:
    #56549
    Messages:
    181
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    Southern NH
    Vehicle:
    2018 Crew Max SR5
    I was looking at removing the front row hooks to paint them and then re-install them. I was wondering if I needed a air powered impact gun to remove the bolts or possibly could I get them off with a standard socket wrench. Didn’t want to bust the bolt and get the threaded part stuck. I have a 2018 crew max with roughly 34,000 miles on it. Truck has been in the northeast through some harsh winters here in the Northeast. Thanks for the help
     
  2. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:21 PM
    #2
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,010
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Use a breaker bar with the right sized socket. Remove. Paint. Re-install to proper torque specs.
     
  3. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:27 PM
    #3
    French Avocado

    French Avocado Double Entundra

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2020
    Member:
    #45583
    Messages:
    1,382
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Utah / Wyo
    Vehicle:
    2020 Platinum MGM; 2008 Ltd TRD SRP
    @Black Wolf - remember your other sage advice Matt - "Don't use a breaker bar on the torque wrench."
     
    CourtJester, Tundyfundy and gosolo like this.
  4. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:42 PM
    #4
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,010
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Fake news. Ha! How in the hell could you use a breaker bar on "the torque wrench"??? Nonsense. The breaker bar is to "break loose" the "hook" bolts. When re-installing the "hooks", torque to spec. Next....:thumbsup:
     
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2021
    BravoDeltaRomeo, WILLINH and gosolo like this.
  5. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:49 PM
    #5
    French Avocado

    French Avocado Double Entundra

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2020
    Member:
    #45583
    Messages:
    1,382
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Utah / Wyo
    Vehicle:
    2020 Platinum MGM; 2008 Ltd TRD SRP
    Black Wolf likes this.
  6. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:50 PM
    #6
    RobertD

    RobertD SSEM#123, ASCM#4 "I call it Vera" ~Jayne Cobb

    Joined:
    May 18, 2020
    Member:
    #46765
    Messages:
    3,783
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Robert
    DFW, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2018 Blazing Blue SR5 4x4 Crewmax
    I just did this! I tried with my regular socket wrench but I couldn't get them to budge. I tried my impact wrench to see if I could get some movement, no dice. I picked up an affordable breaker bar and had those bolts off in a few seconds.
    Many recommend just using some piping to slip over your socket wrench handle to make a cheater bar. I had nothing that fit so had to go to store so I figured I'd just buy a breaker bar.
     
    d_kinneyjr[OP] and Black Wolf like this.
  7. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:50 PM
    #7
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,010
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
  8. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:51 PM
    #8
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,010
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    See!!!!
     
  9. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:51 PM
    #9
    RobertD

    RobertD SSEM#123, ASCM#4 "I call it Vera" ~Jayne Cobb

    Joined:
    May 18, 2020
    Member:
    #46765
    Messages:
    3,783
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Robert
    DFW, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2018 Blazing Blue SR5 4x4 Crewmax
    Also, you might have some surface rust between the tow hooks and frame, I had to go back to get a wire brush attachment for the drill. If you are going to the store, might be worth picking one up for a few bucks and save yourself the trip (unless you already have one)
     
  10. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:53 PM
    #10
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,010
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Excellent point if you live where salt is used. Very good observation!
     
  11. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:56 PM
    #11
    RobertD

    RobertD SSEM#123, ASCM#4 "I call it Vera" ~Jayne Cobb

    Joined:
    May 18, 2020
    Member:
    #46765
    Messages:
    3,783
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Robert
    DFW, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2018 Blazing Blue SR5 4x4 Crewmax
    I'm in Texas and have only had my truck in rain. From other posts and threads here it seems they don't paint before installing the tow hooks so there is unfinished metal there. The rust wasn't bad but I couldn't live with not addressing it. But now I have 2 wire brush attachments for my drill so I'm ready the next time I find minor rust lol
     
    WILLINH and Black Wolf[QUOTED] like this.
  12. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:57 PM
    #12
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,010
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    You will find out that breaker bar comes in handy when breaking loose lug nuts when dipshits air torque them down. Again... re-torque to specs!
     
  13. Jan 4, 2021 at 5:59 PM
    #13
    d_kinneyjr

    d_kinneyjr [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2020
    Member:
    #56549
    Messages:
    181
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    Southern NH
    Vehicle:
    2018 Crew Max SR5
    @RobertD and @Black Wolf. I appreciate the advice and the info. I was just talking to a friend of mine and he recommended the “cheater” bar as well. Not sure why I didn’t think of this. Again I really appreciate it
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  14. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:18 PM
    #14
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,010
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    There are a lot of members here with a wealth of knowledge. More than me. I only know what I know. :thumbsup: Stick around.
     
  15. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:44 PM
    #15
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2020
    Member:
    #56879
    Messages:
    5,687
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2021 White 4x4 CM Trail Ed. 2018 White 4x4 4Runner SR5 Premium
    Seat covers, dash mat, ext. Trans. Cooler, sumo springs, oem pwr fld tow mirrors
    First...not wise to use long pipe cheater on a ratchet due to the fact that you will likely ruin the ratchet. Secondly...if you insist on cheating you likely have a good sized box end wrench around and don't need to go buy a pipe. Just slip the loop over the ratchet handle and you have more leverage at your fingertips. Furthermore, you can also put the box end of a combo wrench on a bolt and slip the loop of another wrench on the open end to also "cheat". Beware as "cheating" is obviously dangerous! That being said, I have been very successful with good quality tools and cheating. Also destroyed a few cheap ratchets while receiving my "lessons"! Hint: 1/2" drive craftsmen or s&k both hold up really well under extreme stress.
     
    AZBoatHauler and WILLINH like this.
  16. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:46 PM
    #16
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,010
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Or...just use a breaker bar with the correct size socket.......see post #2 :thumbsup:
     
    French Avocado and Tundyfundy like this.
  17. Jan 4, 2021 at 7:05 PM
    #17
    TelemarkTumalo

    TelemarkTumalo New Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2020
    Member:
    #45889
    Messages:
    832
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Bend, OR
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra TRD Pro Double Cab Army Green
    Driver side grab handle Door sill protectors Falken WildPeak 295/70 R18 X-Pel clear front paint protection 20% front window tint Go Rhino RB20 side steps - Bedliner finish Lock'er Down 1/2 console safe Toyota bed cargo divider Toyota auto tail gate lock
    or, forget the breaker bar and torque wrench... close one eye and start rattle can spraying at random.
     
  18. Jan 4, 2021 at 7:11 PM
    #18
    Bucks04

    Bucks04 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2018
    Member:
    #12467
    Messages:
    513
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2013 TRD Tundra
    Working on it
    24" BREAKER AT HARBOR FREIGHT , AND CORRECT SOCKET, PREFERABLY DEEPWELL SO NOT WORKING AT ANGLE. Also if you can break that bolt off , you are definitely THE MAN on this forum. Also main reason for 24" breaker is I keep it in truck with lug socket for initial removal , quick and fast.
     
  19. Jan 4, 2021 at 7:52 PM
    #19
    havasuTRD

    havasuTRD New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2018
    Member:
    #16000
    Messages:
    168
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brett
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra crewmax TRD 4X4
    I just did this last week. Used a socket and some muscle. Take a look. Went with krylon and sprayed painted them with my son. We had fun and they look good to me.D8004D16-FBAE-4F91-88BE-CA217B0F4CAA.jpg
     
    KingsAustin, Billy I, Astom22 and 4 others like this.
  20. Jan 4, 2021 at 8:45 PM
    #20
    Tundyfundy

    Tundyfundy Petunia The Tundra, and her sidekick Colbie

    Joined:
    May 5, 2017
    Member:
    #7567
    Messages:
    2,699
    Gender:
    Male
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    Magnetic Grey DC SR5 4x4 2016
    SUSPENSION: Bilstein 6112 coilover (1.9") w/ Powder Coated Springs and Spring Perch (TRD Red), JBA Upper Control Arms, Bilstein 5160's w/Billet Aluminium Reservoir Brackets, +2 Coachbuilder Shackles, Diff Drop Kit, Carrier Bearing Drop Kit, Brakeline Extensions, ABS Extension, Poly Bushings for Leafs, Coachbuilder Shims (2 Each Side), Coachbuilder Bumpstop Extensions, TRD Rear Sway Bar, TRD Front Sway Bar, Air Lift 5000 airbags w jounce bumpers, Daystar Airbag Cradles WHEELS AND TIRES: BF Goodrich KO2's 275/70/r18, BORA wheel spacers 1.25", TRD Wheel Caps,TRD Valve Stem Caps, Spare Tire Lock PERFORMANCE: Bullydog GT Tuner(Performance Tune), TRD Intake, TRD Dual Exhaust (with Modified Exhaust Hangers for Levelling Tail Pipe),TRD Brake Pads, TRD Oil Cap (US), TRD Radiator Cap, TRD Oil Filter, Optima Yellow Top Battery,GP Battery Distribution Blocks, StopTech Slotted Cryo Treated Rotors, Goodridge G-Stop Steel Braided Brake Line Kit PROTECTION: PNP Engineering Type 4 Rock Sliders (With Full Dimple Plate) ,ADD Stealth Fighter Rear Bumper w Red/Blk Shackles and Custom Stomp Pad, TRD Skid Plate with ReadyLift Spacer Kit, Victory 4x4 LCA Skid Plates, JOMAX ABS Sensor Armor, Rear Diff Breather Mod, ARK splash guards INTERIOR: Husky Liners X-Act (Front and Full Coverage Rear and Front Weather Beater Trans Hump), Interior LED Bulbs, WheelSkins Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover(EuroPerf), Clazzio Genuine Leather Seat Covers(BLK/DRK GRYwith custom stitching and embroidered headrests), Clazzio Seat Heaters (Front and Rear), Entune Startup Screen MOD, Entune Off Screen Mod, Tinted Windows with Windshield Visor, AJT Key Fobs,Eagle Claws Floor Mat Clips, Bodyglove Visor Organizer,Custom Door Cup Inserts, Glass Break Sensor,AJT Radio Knobs, Custom Dior Cup Inserts EXTERIOR: Full Debadge, LED Brake Light Bulbs, LED Rear Turns, LED Reverse, LED Plate Lights, LED Cargo Lights, LED Third Brake Lights, LED Front Marker Lights, LED Fog Light Bulbs, Lamin-X Fog Light Covers (Amber),2018 OEM LED Headlights, iHacker harness, VLED Universal Puddle Lights, VLED Interior Footwell Lighting (Front and Rear),VLED Extreme Amber Fornt Turns, NSV Knight Rider Light bar, Baja Designs Sport Squadron Pods in Rear Bumper (Driving/wide), Painted Red Tow-hooks, Bed Rail System, Blind Spot Mirrors, Hitch-safe, Tail-gate lock, EAG Raptor Grille, Custom Grille Badge,Full Vinyl Wrap (Matte Black/Matte Pine Green Mettalic), Charvonia Designs Tie Bed Tie-Downs, Bull Ring Bed Rail Anchors, Line-X, Tundra Bed Mat, Bakflip F1 Bed Cover SOUND: Noico 80Mil Sound Deadening and Noico 170 Mil Thermal Insulation (All 4 Doors, Roof, Floors, Rear Panel, Dash). Hertz Uno K170's Component Speakers (Front Doors with Upgraded Sail Panels), Hertz Uno K170 Coaxial Speakers (Rear Doors), JBL C1-075ct Tweeters (Total 4) in Side Dash and Center Speaker, JBL Stadium 5 Amp w/Remote Bass Adjustment Knob and Amp Rack, 12" Infinity Reference Subwoofer in Custom Enclosure w/ “TUNDRA” Logo, Fast Rings Foam Speaker Rings System(4 Doors), Fix 86 DSP
    PB Blaster
     
    KingsAustin likes this.
  21. Jan 5, 2021 at 8:51 AM
    #21
    crewmaxlmt

    crewmaxlmt How dare you!

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2020
    Member:
    #54795
    Messages:
    890
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    scott
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax Limited
    Or you could just get a Milwaukee 2767-20 with 1400 ft-lbs of torque.
     
  22. Jan 5, 2021 at 9:05 AM
    #22
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Member:
    #35569
    Messages:
    3,674
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bruce
    MB Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Tundra CM
    I just liked up 24" breaker bar from Lee Valley (looks like my USA made Husky stuff) for $20 and a couple of Husky Torque wrenches (1/2" and 3/8") to use for truck stuff.

    Maybe I'll spruce up my tow hooks this weekend.

    As other have said ...breaker bar to loosen, torque wrench to tighten. Never use a breaker bar to tighten stuff down if you care about it.
     
  23. Jan 13, 2021 at 9:48 AM
    #23
    d_kinneyjr

    d_kinneyjr [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2020
    Member:
    #56549
    Messages:
    181
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    Southern NH
    Vehicle:
    2018 Crew Max SR5
    Thanks for all the help. I was finally able to get around to doing this mod.

    IMG_5459.jpg

    IMG_5460.jpg
     
  24. Jan 21, 2021 at 11:07 AM
    #24
    Shadowfax_57

    Shadowfax_57 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2021
    Member:
    #57935
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Austin
    Vehicle:
    2019 White Tundra Crewmax TRD OFFROAD
    S&B intake 6” Bamuffler Pedal Commander
    I’m looking to do the same here. What size socket did you use to remove the bolts on the hook itself? Thanks
     
  25. Jan 21, 2021 at 11:11 AM
    #25
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Member:
    #35569
    Messages:
    3,674
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bruce
    MB Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Tundra CM
    Just get under and check, they aren't hidden or odd sized. o_O

    You can actually reach them without even laying in the ground.

    I didn't even take note of the socket size after I got the one that fit.
     
  26. Jan 21, 2021 at 11:17 AM
    #26
    TheBubbaDude

    TheBubbaDude New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2020
    Member:
    #50881
    Messages:
    240
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra TRD Pro
    AJT Blackout Kit 1.25" Wheel Spacers NRG 285/70/18 Meso Customs TRD Start Button
    Just did mine. Simple 19mm socket off and on.
     
    BravoDeltaRomeo likes this.
  27. Jan 21, 2021 at 11:34 AM
    #27
    Shadowfax_57

    Shadowfax_57 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2021
    Member:
    #57935
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Austin
    Vehicle:
    2019 White Tundra Crewmax TRD OFFROAD
    S&B intake 6” Bamuffler Pedal Commander
    I tried a couple of sockets (22, 19, 18) all were too big. I’ll keep digging around with my tools lol
     
    BravoDeltaRomeo likes this.
  28. Jan 21, 2021 at 11:43 AM
    #28
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Member:
    #35569
    Messages:
    3,674
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bruce
    MB Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Tundra CM
    I needed a breaker bar to get mine off and they aren't that old. Hopefully yours come off with a standard socket wrench.

    Put them back on with a torque wrench.
     
  29. Jan 21, 2021 at 11:45 AM
    #29
    TheBubbaDude

    TheBubbaDude New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2020
    Member:
    #50881
    Messages:
    240
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra TRD Pro
    AJT Blackout Kit 1.25" Wheel Spacers NRG 285/70/18 Meso Customs TRD Start Button
    Might be 17mm?
     
    KatoK likes this.
  30. Jan 21, 2021 at 12:05 PM
    #30
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Member:
    #35569
    Messages:
    3,674
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bruce
    MB Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Tundra CM
    Might be.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top