Loose Bed Bolt

Picked up a used 08 DCLB TRD Sport and have been going though it getting the bugs out. First off huge thanks to the forum and all you guys. TW has and will be a great resource, but very expensive. The "To Do List" keeps growing thanks to all the sweet info here.

I have an Accsess roll up bed cover and have figured for the last couple weeks that's where my rattle was coming from. After a cheap roll of weather stripping under the bars of the cover and no luck with rattle, I got in the bed and had the brother drive around the block. At first there was no rattle! I was like WTH, until I moved to the other side of the bed. Sure enough front passenger side bed bolt loose (1/8"). Got home and went to tighten it up with no luck. I hope I didn't torque the bolt to much and need a new one now.

My question is (yes I have searched) what's the "best" fix. I have seen some add a washer up top, some rubber bushings underneath? Any other suggestions, where it's a common problem I figured there might be a "best fix" but haven't found the answer.

 

So, did it turn, or was it already snugged down as far as it will go, and you're still getting a rattle from it? Hadn't heard of that, but first I would remove it and blow an air hose down into the hole and make sure there isn't something in it. The former owner could have had the bolt out for something and maybe some small bit of trash/debris is in there. If that didn't work, then maybe just put a thicker washer, or a rubber washer under the old.

 

It turned a hair is all. I searched and have found others with same problem and same bolt it seems. There is still a good 3/16" from bottom of bolt to washer in bed so I know it's not fixed. I will look into washer/rubber spacer for now. Need some daylight to really dig into it.

 

That's pretty weird. I wasn't aware it was more common. Hope you can find a good resolution to it. Worst case, something thicker under it will work. Still I have to wonder what is causing this to begin with? If you find it, be sure to post it.

 

Picked up a rubber washer and a couple stainless washers at lowes this morning. Rubber washer against the bed and a stainless one on top of it with original washer on bolt and it is taken care of. The rubber washer was slightly larger then the stainless so I trimed the edges to clean it up. Turned out good and I am thinking I will do the other 5 to make it match and solve another problem before it starts. The composite bed was worn down allittle so I hope the rubber keeps this from happening.

 

Nows a good time to add extra D-rings

 

There's the best fix......

 

Not sure I'm understanding the OP. You're talking about a loose bed bolt? One of these? (see pic). They thread into the frame, 55 ft*lbs is about right. Not sure why you'd have a problem with not being able to snug them down. In all my time on TW, I've never heard of anyone having a problem with them.

 

I searched about it and found several treads where guys had the same problem. Same bolt for that matter front passenger side. I assume the bolt is bottoming out and can't be tightened more. I tried and about broke the head off.

I like the extra D-ring idea. I am going to have to find some that would work. Anyone have a link?

 

Sounds like there is some material missing and leaving a space between the washer and bed. I suspect this must be from the bolt getting loose in the past. So, a likely prevention would be to check bed bolt tightness every so often. I'll do that, and if I still end up with a loose bolt later on down the road, I'll just do rubber washers as well.

 

Check the condition of the bed, underneath, where this bolt is. Make sure the composite bed isn't broken or damaged there.

 

I had the same thing when I bought mine used. What I did first, was to put WD-40 and loose the bolt all the way out. Then wire brushed the hell out of it cause it was rusty. the I sprayed the hole with break parts cleaner and put the blue thread lock just at the tip of the screw and let it semi-dry. then I put a 1/8" washer and torqued to specs. it went all the way in this time. So far is holding on.

 

It's like a dream to drive and not hear the rattle. The underside of bed looks allittle worn like the top did. No cracks so I think if it stays tight now should be good to go.

 

Might try and just grind off a 1/4" or so off the sharp tip, that should allow it to tighten up if it's bottoming out???? IDK

 

I had exactly the same problem when I bought my 2008 double-cab in February of 2010. Front passenger side bed bolt would bottom out before it pulled the bed down tight. Took it to a local dealership who "tightened" it up for me. A few months later it was loose again...and the cardboard that they had put under the bolt finally deteriorated enough that it came out. I fixed the problem permanently when I installed extra D rings off of a wrecked Tacoma.

 

I will be on the look out for some D Rings. Always use more places to tie gear down

 

Anyone have the specs on what size socket these require? I have had mine loose about 1/4" of clearance between the top of the bolt and the bed and I haven't had a chance to torque them down. I use my Tacoma a lot on logging roads and the rattling is driving me nuts! I had a 2009 that I used for the same purpose and had no issues.

 

They are a torque 14mm I believe. I used a pipe wrench because I don't have the correct torque size. Search on here I know I saw the correct size in one of the other treads.
That rattle is bad around town. I can only imagine how bad it has been for you. If they have been loose for loge there is sure to be some wear and you will have to add some washers or extra D-rings like others have recommended.

 

They thread into a open hole. So the issue you have is corrosion of debris build up stopping the bolt from tightening.

Off the top of my head it is a T-60 Torx, possibly a T-55 but believe it is the 60.

I added tie down points on mine and had to replace all 4 due to rust issues.

All of them came out fairly easily except for one which I had to use a pipe wrench on as well.

You need to take the bolt out and get a get once since it is likely rusted or try and clean it up but I am guessing it is nasty since you used a pipe wrench on the head as well.

Bolt is about 10 bucks from what I remember at the dealer.

 

here is a link to d-rings that fit the bed bolt without drilling and are heavy duty http://www.factorychryslerparts.com/productSearch.aspx?searchTerm=05104500AA and the tutorial can be found here http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/28533-installed-d-rings-bed-pics-16.html#post4383957

good luck!