How to remove rusted, spinning bolt from gas tank strap. GMC Sierra, Chevy Trucks, Suburban.

Рет қаралды 49,798

3 жыл бұрын

My gas tank strap broke on my 2002 GMC Sierra. When trying to remove bolt to install new strap. The bolt just spun freely. In this video I will show you how to remove the bolt and why it was spinning. Watching the video in full should give you the best outlook of the job. I won't and can't be liable or responsible for any damages or injuries. Use this video as a guide for your success. It will be helpful for Chevy Trucks, GMC SIERRA, and Chevy Suburban

Пікірлер: 176

@Mattmatition 10 ай бұрын

Thanks dude. I was losing my mind. Very helpful. Giving it another shot tomorrow after work. Excellent video for such a pain in the ass job! Need more people like you on the planet.

@roundedrob1483 10 ай бұрын

Good luck to you tomorrow!! Yes, it can be a royal pain in the ass for sure.

@dickelshabsrule 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You Sir, I've been trying to find a video on how to change a broken gas tank strap. Saw this and said to myself I better watch this in case the bolt just spins. Up next to watch "broken bolt removal" lol. I try to do my homework prior to doing the job.

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Knowledge is the key to success. I'm so happy to pass it on, good luck to you. I enjoy sharing Knowledge and life experiences on the channel.

@mephistofelies 2 жыл бұрын

Dude, you just saved my project. Im battling rain and weather trying to get my C- notch installed and i just wasted an hour plus trying to wedge crap into that tube to get pressure on that wretched bolt. I never even bothered to look from the front to see what was holding the bolt, i thought it was threaded through the tube! Thanks to you and this video I won the battle!!! subscribed!

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to help, it's my pleasure thanks for being part of the channel!!

@c.j.maurine6394 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for making this video. You just put an end to an insaine amount of frustration my friend was having trying to get this bolt out of his truck. Extremely helpful video!

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Your extremely welcome glad to help!! Wish you both the best!!

@markscott4888 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. I was stuck not knowing what to do. After your video it was off in 10 minutes

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

That's music to my ears!! You're welcome, Mark! Do you have a lawn mower?

@JourneyMN 8 ай бұрын

I hear the frustration, the moans and groans. Sometimes that’s what it’s all about “ fighting till the very end! “

@roundedrob1483 8 ай бұрын

The fight is the achievement of success!

@annewalsworth2220 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there and you were persistent in getting it! Honestly, if that had happened to me, I would have definitely called a mechanic! Bravo for you though and I hope everything turns out well for you! Thank you for sharing and God bless you!

@marypaigeflynn4512 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Rob!! I spent many days in the garage with my dad and my husband working and I've seen this type of situation happen many times and boy is it aggravating... It spins and it spins and it spins 😅😤 Wooo Hooo... your face at the end 😁🥰 you definitely won the battle my friend🥰🏆💪🥇🙌 I hope you have a blessed day 🙏

@roundedrob1483 3 жыл бұрын

I hope your day is going well. Thanks for the support. It is nice to win once in a while.

@hendersonseena Жыл бұрын

You helped me out. I am just now dealing with this issue. Thanks very much. I was ready to start cutting something lol.

@BikesCarsAndSake 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for posting this. I have one last bolt to remove to drop the tank on a mini motor home (Toyota truck base) and it is just spinning freely. Now I know what to look for and how to potentially solve the problem! Thank you again!!

@roundedrob1483 11 ай бұрын

Well, it's my pleasure. I'm glad to help. Thanks for checking out my channel.

@stephencastellani2390 4 ай бұрын

I had a feeling that was the case. I knew the front hangar had that nut, but I couldn't see the one for that one being sandwiched in between the frame member and the hangar, but there it is. I was trying the method you mentioned being stupid, pushing down on the bolt, but you are correct, that is a nuisance for a single person to do. A thousand thanks for this video and the actual visual of the bolt.

@roundedrob1483 4 ай бұрын

My pleasure. This video has had many views. What I enjoy most is passing on knowledge to help others. Thanks for the kind words. The responses in the comments keep me motivated. To take the time.

@CaylorsReptilesAquatics 3 жыл бұрын

Already subbed. Good information. I haven’t had issues with my Sierra, yet.

@jackanddan 3 жыл бұрын

Freaking won the battle Rob🤘 Slow and steady win the race! That’s a total bummer dude….had an old car with a gas tank leek but never had this happen before….hope we never do…. Have a great week man!!!!

@kirstenreid3620 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Rob! You are saving my life over here! A spinning bolt is so frustrating, I thought my boyfriend's head was going to explode! You are an absolute life saver

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help. You two have a great New Year.

@salatiello1956 Жыл бұрын

Kudos to you for your persistence to get the u-nut out, Rob! I thought I'd pass on a tip from Eric over at South Main Auto. This involves taking the tank out should you be replacing the fuel pump, which was my situation: "I just cut the strap in that case, get the tank out then I cut the head of the bolt off and the captive nut has an opening and it will come right out. Go to Napa get a gas tank hardware bolt kit for a 96 Chevy half ton and it will fit right in there perfect, trust me. Do these all the time. They always spin. Oh and get a new strap while you are there."

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

Yes!! I replaced the compromised fuel lines. Installed a new pump and replaced both straps. I'm glad you shared this comment! For others to read about the bolt kit!

@pre_ban_andy Ай бұрын

Thanks bro, that's what I needed to see!

@roundedrob1483 Ай бұрын

Cool, my guy, good luck, and have a great day.

@jaredharrison1446 11 ай бұрын

Dude that’s exactly what I needed! Thank you perfect video!

@roundedrob1483 11 ай бұрын

My pleasure, Rust is always a battle. Have a great weekend.

@emilye709 2 жыл бұрын

I hoped this would help me remove one of the bolts holding my car seat in. It just keeps spinning. But considering that the other 11 bolts cane out fine, I don't think this one bolt is being held in by a bolt. My search for a solution continues! Thanks for the video. Still helps to know this is a possibility when working on my car.

@joshuam.3791 Жыл бұрын

Flipping brilliant mate! I didn't look at the back side of mine and missed the opening.

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

I'm glad I could help out!

@AddictedToDoingBadShit Жыл бұрын

you deserve way more views, thank you 🙏 👍

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!! You may be right!! That's for sure, but if I can help one person. That's satisfaction for me. Have a great weekend 😀

@tedlagerquist4163 3 ай бұрын

This was most helpful, Thanks

@roundedrob1483 3 ай бұрын

Glad to help!

@shubunkin.goldfishtank 3 жыл бұрын

They should make the part that holds the nut in place out of stainless steel, I can't tell you how many times the same thing has happened to me on my cars, if the gas lines are rusted all over the place I'd just replace them but if they are only bad near the gas tank maybe you can cut them a few feet away from the tank and only replace it going to the tank

@chadwilliams3380 Жыл бұрын

Big help! Thanks brother!

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

Brother, I'm happy to help!!

@bipolaraquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Great video

@aqua6613 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for mentioning the socket and wrench size. My fuel tank strap broke off and it's sitting in the parking lot at work an hour away and I didn't know what tools to bring along to get this reattached. I guess I'll need a jack also and something to hold the tank up with, but I didn't notice it out of place really. Maybe I just got really lucky it didn't dip on me.

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

Glad to help! How's it going?

@DannyRossa 2 жыл бұрын

That's cool! Thanks for sharing!

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Your welcome and thanks for watching.

@W4UWC Жыл бұрын

Love to see a win over rust!!!!

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

It's always a fight. But the wins are succulent!

@acanfield87 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video! Looks like a 15 mm wrench? Gonna sneak this up in there this weekend to remove the rear strap so I can lower the tank and replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Stupid EVAP codes gonna keep me from getting the dumb emissions inspection updated.

@roundedrob1483 2 ай бұрын

My pleasure, yes, 15mm.

@davidpate2237 6 ай бұрын

Awesome video I have that same problem with my pickup

@roundedrob1483 6 ай бұрын

Thanks, so did you get it?

@RandomKnowledge4You 2 жыл бұрын

Same damn issue on my 2000 Silverado. Thanks a ton

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Your welcome a ton!

@tobyfriddle9919 11 ай бұрын

Saved my life

@roundedrob1483 11 ай бұрын

It's definitely frustrating! Did you get it out?

@VinnysAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Great job brother 👍👍👍 those can be a pain in the ….

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

For sure..

@PhilDapple Жыл бұрын

Smart! Very Very Smart!! good Job!!

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

Your welcome and thank you!

@xxxxxbreakdownxxxxx Ай бұрын

For me that didint work because i have a duramax 2500 2002 and i dont know if the tank are the same but i manage to bend my 15mm wrench 90 degree and with heat on the bolt tread by the hole in the frame it came loose ! Thank you for showing me that we have acces to the nut by one side 🙌

@roundedrob1483 Ай бұрын

He'll ya!! I have quite a few bent and rigged wrenches in the toolbox. I'm glad I was able to help. Have an amazing and safe 4th of July.

@4sl648 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I have the same project for tomorrow on my 2012 Suburban. Its GMs revenge for making them put the tank inside the frame.

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Well I wish you good luck!! Sometimes things aren't very easy but persistency always pays off!!

@nathanfuck4153 2 жыл бұрын

Gonna try this when I get off work hopefully it works

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Did you get it?

@LongIslandCityLayout 8 ай бұрын

Something similar happened on my LeSabre. The nut that’s attached to that clip became rusted to the threads and broke off the clip. With the nut captive, the bolt was just spinning but couldn’t back out. I ended up cutting the rusty tank strap and grinding off the bolt head. But good info to have.

@roundedrob1483 8 ай бұрын

Yes, it can happen on many makes and models. It would be nice if they welded the nut to the frame.

@willowbuilt 9 ай бұрын

Awesome Ron . 15 mm wrench saved my ass ..

@roundedrob1483 9 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

@chriswheeler6105 2 жыл бұрын

Running into same issue with my suburban. What do you call that nut?

@lcreta3831 Жыл бұрын

You the man

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@slicknick1213 5 ай бұрын

For all the poor guys with extended cab trucks, I was able to jam a crows foot in there and it held. What a pain!

@roundedrob1483 5 ай бұрын

I'm glad to hear you won the battle.

@barackosama81 2 жыл бұрын

Hero ser thank you

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Your Welcome!

@PUTRAJUANDABERAU1922 2 жыл бұрын

Hallo sir good job

@josephogg4254 10 ай бұрын

My thing is where or how did you find an opening to get the wrench on the nut

@masonstoltzfus1964 2 жыл бұрын

Hey rob i have the exact same issue, how did you go about putting a bolt back in, i can’t get in there to weld it? Thanks

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

This is a great question. I took a bolt and washer. Put the bolt head up threads down through the frame pipe. Then jacked the gas tank up. Then put the nut on and tighten it up. So the nut is were the strap is. I used a wrench on the bolt head against the frame pipe. Then a ratchet and socket for the nut.

@dvdhrkr Жыл бұрын

Amazing! You answered questions this carpenter has been asking mechanics all day. I wish I had seen this before I went in with a sawsall with a nice metal blade and cut it off lol. Is it easy to put a new bolt and nut thingy back together to hold the tank in place now?

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

I just used a bolt a couple of washers. A car jack and a piece of OSB on it to jack the tank up. I put the bolt through the pipe and the nut were the tank strap is.

@Thisandthatdude 3 ай бұрын

Thanks!!

@roundedrob1483 3 ай бұрын

My pleasure!!

@user-kw3jx3oi5u 11 ай бұрын

Freaking awesome

@TheNorma 3 жыл бұрын

You're very handy

@roundedrob1483 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much.

@smileyil Жыл бұрын

I have this exact same problem on a 2003 GMC Envoy - except I can't get a wrench on the nut or even see the nut - buried in the frame ... so frustrating. I can just see the broken part of the nut bracket spinning as I turn the socket... I've tried holding the bracket in place with a screwdriver, but it's just too tight on the nut. I'll think of something I suppose. Great helpful video though - at least I know there is a nut bracket there now.

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

I know it frustrating!! That's why I did the video. Mine kick my a$$ also. When it came to getting the wrench up in the frame I just had to use the sense of feel. Rather then visual.

@smileyil Жыл бұрын

@@roundedrob1483 On the Envoy there is no gap at all to insert a wrench - can't touch the nut with anything. I ended up drilling the bolt out. The rest of the bolt and nut will just have to rattle around inside the frame until the end of time xD. I'll use a toggle nut to secure the strap since I won't be able to put a nut in place.

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

@@smileyil That sounds like a solid plan. Way to improvise on this application. Take care!!

@tommello9525 Ай бұрын

How to bolt it back up ?

@csipemechanics Жыл бұрын

With the amount of rust, I started with a 15mm wrench then went to 9/16. And was able to use the impact to run it out

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

That doesn't surprise me they can be rust buckets underneath!! I'm glad to hear about your success!! Glad I could help!

@MotorWitch1 2 жыл бұрын

But how to u solve this problem. the nuts on my truck are off the frame. how do I anchor the nuts to put the bolts in there is no space for a wrench or anything. Have new straps. Don't want to drop the tank and tack weld nuts back to the frame. yet

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Well I had to drop my tank to fix the lines. You might be better off dropping the tank and replacing the fuel pump and welding in the nuts. KIlling 2 birds with one stone. Or putting the bolts in the opposite way with the nuts on the bottom.

@josephnicholson8216 9 ай бұрын

You have a regular cab on the extended cab you can't get the wrench in there like you do but the trick they show on putting a wedge in there didn't work for me either gonna cutt strap with sawzall only way to get this one out on my truck

@daleswineheart2765 3 ай бұрын

Same exact problem on my 2011 Silverado! Fuel pump leaks gas, rusted line on top . Swinedog

@kurtistemple2788 Жыл бұрын

Bro iv been at this same bolt for the same truck for 2 days and I was about to cut the srap!

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

So, did you get the bolt out yet?

@denzilthomas5228 Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

Your Welcome!

@denzilthomas5228 Жыл бұрын

Ended up stripping the dam bolt had to cut the rusted spare tire wire to get it out of the way then cut the bolt then cut it again from inside the tube to get it out. Pretty sure I invited a few new cuss words.Gotta love the rust belt!

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

@@denzilthomas5228 I used a half can of PB BLASTER to loosen up my spare tire and cable!

@joemunoz1251 3 жыл бұрын

ROB 💪

@kurtistemple2788 Жыл бұрын

What size nut is that?

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

I said the sizes in the video!

@whiteknight126 2 жыл бұрын

I've got the exact same thing happening right now but trying to figure out where the hell you slipped the wrench in? 😫

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Did you get it!!

@whiteknight126 2 жыл бұрын

@@roundedrob1483 I did! Combination of pounding a 2x4 wedge and a flat bar into that round cutout to keep downward pressure on the bolt, since I did get the front strap off, I was able to keep wiggling the tank up an down and lastly, finally got enough space between the strap and the bracket to pound a flat bar into to keep pressure on the bolt. I tried going slow by hand to going fast with an impact, and finally several hours later, after enough cussing and praying, it finally came loose.. but then after all that, after the bolt was out, I couldn't get the strap out and it ended up snapping! But better now than on it's own while driving. Now to attempt to remove this rusted out fuel pump! (It would make too much sense if they put the nut inside that round tube where you can actually access it)

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

@@whiteknight126 Thats great to hear!

@javierdelafuente2362 3 ай бұрын

I’m doing this right now and for sum reason on my 2001 2500 can’t see the nut

@roundedrob1483 3 ай бұрын

Did you get it?

@starfishbandit5633 2 жыл бұрын

Mine went in my truck ended up putting a Ratchet strap in its place for around 9 months until I had it fixed by a local shop.

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

What ever it takes to get by right!

@sirsweetness8332 2 жыл бұрын

Strap nut and bolt. Had to do this recently

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Did the strap break on you?

@sirsweetness8332 2 жыл бұрын

@@roundedrob1483 No replaced flex lines.

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

When my strap broke it compromised the skid plate that protects the tank. I will be doing a video on how to fix it.

@rileymcbride4222 2 жыл бұрын

ive been fighting this bolt for weeks

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

That sucks did you get it out yet??

@MrChap27 2 жыл бұрын

My truck doesn’t show me access to the nut any suggestions

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

What kind of truck?

@whiteknight126 2 жыл бұрын

Same here, I got an 08 Silverado.. what did you end up doing?

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

@@whiteknight126 Cut the bad rusted fuel lines. Replaced them sections and put two new straps on. Also replaced the fuel pump in the process.

@MrChap27 2 жыл бұрын

I ended up cutting the bolt l went to hardware store got hardware for strap and worked perfect

@briizcustoms9543 Жыл бұрын

Do you have social media? I don’t see a bolt on mine at all and I have PB blasted it with two cans and let it sit for a week. The bolt won’t move one bit!

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

Did you get it yet?

@briizcustoms9543 Жыл бұрын

@@roundedrob1483No 😭😭

@briizcustoms9543 Жыл бұрын

Plz help

@briizcustoms9543 Жыл бұрын

I don’t know how to get to an angle to physically see the nut like how you took a picture

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

@briizcustoms9543 I had to zoom in my camera to get that shot. So everyone could see the nut. You have to get your wrench up there. Turn the bolt till you feel the wrench on the nut and work it off.

@johnjcb4690 2 жыл бұрын

I have one in the back of the covering up the rear wheels position is fucked no space to spin nothing

@SteelWorksGuy Жыл бұрын

There's no way to get a wrench in there on my 08 silverado, just keeps spinning losing my mind

@kevinmcnabb168 2 жыл бұрын

That bolt cost me 1 and three quarter days extra when i took mine off. Can't use a torch.

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Yes not the best spot to use a torch. 💥💥💥

@Therealburnnaco 10 ай бұрын

It’s actually a great idea 😂

@roundedrob1483 9 ай бұрын

Glad to help!

@SerenoOunce 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe next time though just cut the damn strap and get the tank out of the way. Being a GM almost certainly gonna need a new fuel pump anyway. Instead of getting a new U-Clip nut I just used a 3/8" 2-1/2 bolt with a 1" sleeve I made out of copper pipe and fed it down through the tube. Then you can slide a wrench in through the tube and nut it up from the bottom.

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Well cutting the other strap is fine. If you plan on dropping the tank. What about the people who just need to replace the broken strap?

@joedegarmo1252 Жыл бұрын

Couldn't get a wrench on the top...so frustrating!

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

How's it going? It's a pain in the butt. Did you win yet?

@joedegarmo1252 Жыл бұрын

@@roundedrob1483 yeah..ended up pulling the gas tank, put in new fuel filter too! PITA!

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

@@joedegarmo1252 Good to hear!!

@alphaturd6922 2 ай бұрын

Same bolt on my ford tank strap spinning on me i think it has same design

@roundedrob1483 2 ай бұрын

That's a good possibility. Wishing you success! My guy.

@alphaturd6922 2 ай бұрын

@roundedrob1483 i guess the threaded piece is welded and the weld failed on my ford there is no getting anything in there to grip that piece while i turn the bolt i think im going to cut the strap and rig it back together

@alphaturd6922 2 ай бұрын

@@roundedrob1483 nightmare doood

@alphaturd6922 2 ай бұрын

@roundedrob1483 update stuck prybar in there wedged it so it couldnt turn with the bolt it wasnt easy you would think they would put a hex head on that piece so you could throw a wrench on it got fuel pump changed truck started and died trying to figure it out now

@roundedrob1483 2 ай бұрын

@alphaturd6922 When you turn the key. But not turn the motor over. Can you hear the fuel pump like a humming noise? It could be the fuel pump fuse.

@danjim7056 2 ай бұрын

I need to move out of michigan,fuck all this rust. The front one is completely closed off and cant get anything in there to hold the nut.

@roundedrob1483 2 ай бұрын

The best of all four seasons.

@danjim7056 2 ай бұрын

@roundedrob1483 I guess if our winters keep not existing, maybe we won't have salty roads anymore!

@SANCHEZFLA863 2 жыл бұрын

You should have gone the extra step and replaced Your fuel pump it's in rough shape if your strap is that rusted well that's if you hadn't already.

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

I did that for sure!! The great thing about installing the new pump. My gas gauge works now!! Thanks for the great input 👍🏻

@Goonies-xh3qr 2 жыл бұрын

On my Chevy Tahoe I can't even see where the bolt goes. You can't get to it it's completely enclosed.

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

We're you able to get it out?

@Goonies-xh3qr 2 жыл бұрын

@@roundedrob1483 no I brought it into the shop. They told me the frame is so rotted they couldn't put the new strap in so they are improvising with a flexible strap. Also told me the frame is so Rusty that the spring in the back is ready to break through. Not good news for me.

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

@@Goonies-xh3qr That sucks brother. Maybe a frame shop or a freind could weld some steel plates in to fix it?

@aliaboud6382 2 жыл бұрын

Took a hacksaw, cut the bolt then cut the retainer, replaced it yuhhhh

@roundedrob1483 2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations glad it worked out for you!

@treverp6839 Жыл бұрын

How the HELL did u get ur wrench on that nut

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

I put put the wrench up there. Then, turned the bolt slowly. Till I felt the wrench slide onto the nut. It's a feel rather than a see.

@treverp6839 Жыл бұрын

@Rounded Rob thanks, ill try when I get off my 12 hour shift lol. Very frustrating after working 12 hours. Came in the house defeated by that bastard. Luckily my gf had some burgers made for me when I got inside. I'll try again later

@roundedrob1483 Жыл бұрын

@@treverp6839 That was nice of her!