Bolt won't go in

My 14 TRD Sport Double Cab came with the huge chrome step bars which I hated so I took them off. I ended up going with the black OeM toyota steps.
I just installed them and all went fine except for one bolt on the passanger side behind the front tire. The top bolt. It would not go in for anything.
It would never start by hand or wrench. I got all 5 other bolts on that side tight but have one missing. I don't know what is the problem.
Should I try to re thread it with a tap or just leave it out.
I don't think they are going anywhere but I don't like my stuff half way done.
It's not the bolt because I tried other bolts.

What to do???

 

Loosen all the bolts on that side then try to get it in. Rule of thumb, is always start all your bolts before you tighten them down. That little added play may allow your bolt to line up and thread in.

You can re-tap the spot that is giving you trouble too. I would find a way to secure your problem area. Don't just leave it out.

 

Yea I tried that. I don't want to keep backing out the others because I'm afraid they will do the same thing. I had the bracket all the way up against the hole and still would not catch. Just spins. I guess I'll have to play with it some more.

 

Did you try any of the other bolts that did work? Maybe take one of the good ones out and see if it will screw in, also try the bolt that isn't working on a different hole. This way you can find out if it's the bolt or the hole. Maybe some pressure while turning the bolt will get it started?

 

Yea even tried a bolt from the old steps that came on the truck.
I tried pushing down on it while trying to start it, no luck.

I'll have to mess with it tomorrow during the day and see what the hole looks like.
The bolt for the old steps came right out now this one won't start.
May have to take it somewhere.

 

Did the captive nut fall off the other side of the frame?

 

I did not see any nut. Just a screw hole unless something came apart in the frame.

 

If the nut had gave way he would be able to push the bolt right in.
The insert has a burr on it.
Get a tap and run it through. you should be ok.
I need to do this once in a while on new installs.
It's frustrating but with care, easily fixable.

 

I can get a tap the same size as the bolt or will I have to go bigger?
Thanks!

 

Same thread, same size.. Take a good bolt with you and have them match it.
Don't drill..

 

Thanks. I'm going see what I can find.
I have a couple good bolts I'll take.

 

Finally got it. When to Harbor freight and got a drill and Tap all in one.
I ran it once with some cutting spray and backed it out. Tried the bolt and it started by hand.
Used my socket and bolted it down. Now I'm not messing with it again!

Thanks for the advice!