2016 Yukon Denali Hitch Cover nuts

Rick Davidson · December 22, 2019

My hitch cover is hard to get on and off. I think it's because the little internal retaining clip that hold the nut in place are bent and hang up on the lip. I cannot find parts for this anywhere; everything stops at 2014. I'd like to just replace the nut and internal retaining clip. Any suggestions?

carlosh · December 22, 2019

No help here, sorry. Mine requires me to push up on the wing bolts is all

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BlaineBug · December 23, 2019

No issues on my 2019 cover.

Rick Davidson · December 23, 2019

Let me clarify....I've used it regularly for three years, several times a week, without a problem. Now it sticks on the right side when trying to get it off, and the retaining clip on the inside is bent. I'm glad you're not having any issues with your; I am with mine.

BlaineBug · December 23, 2019

It's just a "J NUT" if that is the metal threaded tab you are referring to. It can be replaced. A "J NUT" is basically a threaded nut that is held in place so it won't spin and does not need to be gripped from the back side to prevent it from spinning.

Edited December 23, 2019 by BlaineBug

Rick Davidson · December 23, 2019

2 minutes ago, BlaineBug said:

It's just a "J NUT" if that is the metal threaded tab you are referring to. It can be replaced. A "J NUT" is basically a threaded nut that is held in place so it won't spin and does not need to be gripped from the back side to prevent it from spinning.

My bad; I shouldn't have used the word nut. I think you're referring to the nut that the bolt fits into in the frame; I'm talking about the metal retaining clip that holds the bolt in place and keeps it from falling out when it's not attached.

BlaineBug · December 23, 2019

OH yes, the retainer. Not sure what to tell you. Maybe some cleaning first with a tooth brush and then some silicone lubricant will help? I can't imagine that part impeding its operating very much.

Rick Davidson · December 23, 2019

Just now, BlaineBug said:

OH yes, the retainer. Not sure what to tell you. Maybe some cleaning first with a tooth brush and then some silicone lubricant will help? I can't imagine that part impeding its operating very much.

I haven't exactly figured out the problem, but the retainer on that side is badly bent, and I think it rides up and catches the lip of the cover. The other side works fine and the ring isn't bent. I've tried to straighten it with a screwdriver but it's too fragile, so I have been looking around for another one; would even be willing to just buy the bolt as well, but I can't find them anywhere.

BlaineBug · December 23, 2019

Why not just remove the retainer temporarily and try not to loose the plastic "screw" when you remove the cover?

The retainer is nothing more than a ring, really.

Do your "screws" lock in to place and stop turning when they have reached their proper fully locked tightness?

Edited December 23, 2019 by BlaineBug

Rick Davidson · December 23, 2019

2 minutes ago, BlaineBug said:

Why not just remove the retainer temporarily and try not to loose the plastic "screw" when you remove the cover?

The retainer is nothing more than a ring, really.

Do your "screws" lock in to place and stop turning when they have reached their proper fully locked tightness?

Yes, they do lock with some difficulty. The problem is getting it unattached on that one side. If I were to put them in my pocket they would immediately end up wherever my single socks go after washing, but I can give it a try.