Beware of Rusted Bolts - Rear License Plate

[T_Pomp]

Wanted to share this with everyone so they don't end up like me....

I highly recommend not using metal bolts to secure your license plates. If you do, make sure you use anti-seize or something similar to keep them from freezing up/rusting.

I ordered a fairly inexpensive license plate cover for my vehicle and used the bolts that were included. It hasn't been more than a year since I removed the rear plate (due to applying my annual tag). The bolts were rusted so badly I couldn't get a Phillips screwdriver in them, and I ended up breaking off the heads of the bolts. I called the dealer trying to get it taken care of under warranty, but they told me since it was not installed by the dealer, it wasn't covered. They tried to remove them without drilling them out; it didnt work. I ended up having to pay to have them drilled out. Toyota suggested using nylon screws/bolts and lubricating them often (I wash my truck about once a week).

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[Coldwiz]

That's pretty damn annoying! Road salt sucks.

 

[Brich123]

Wanted to share this with everyone so they don't end up like me....

I highly recommend not using metal bolts to secure your license plates. If you do, make sure you use anti-seize or something similar to keep them from freezing up/rusting.

I ordered a fairly inexpensive license plate cover for my vehicle and used the bolts that were included. It hasn't been more than a year since I removed the rear plate (due to applying my annual tag). The bolts were rusted so badly I couldn't get a Phillips screwdriver in them, and I ended up breaking off the heads of the bolts. I ended up going back to the dealer to have this taken care of. They tried to remove them without drilling them out; it didnt work. I ended up having to pay to have them drilled out. Toyota suggested using nylon screws/bolts and lubricating them often (I wash my truck about once a week).

Based on your comments I decided to check the license plate screws on my 2025 ORP. As can be seen in the attached photo, the screw on the left had already experienced significant corrosion and was a bit difficult to remove. This was after only 12 months of ownership and 12,000 miles. Your recommendation is spot-on!

 

[T_Pomp]

Based on your comments I decided to check the license plate screws on my 2025 ORP. As can be seen in the attached photo, the screw on the left had already experienced significant corrosion and was a bit difficult to remove. This was after only 12 months of ownership and 12,000 miles. Your recommendation is spot-on!

Glad you caught it in time!

 

[LP4Runner]

Or, you could replace them with stainless steel bolts. Just another option.

 

[gvan1998]

DO NOT Get the nylon bolts. The head will break off so easy. just get stainless teal,

 

[127.0.0.1]

just checked mine, one was clean, the other was almost seized.

put marine grease in the holes and on screw threads
should be fine from here

 

[T_Pomp]

DO NOT Get the nylon bolts. The head will break off so easy. just get stainless teal,

Im just going to replace the nylon every 6 months or so. I'm not paying another $200 to have them removed if they seize up.

 

[gvan1998]

Im just going to replace the nylon every 6 months or so. I'm not paying another $200 to have them removed if they seize up.

you were warned. Good luck head breaks off. you will need to drill again . Just get stainless steal screws with fluid film.

 

[T_Pomp]

you were warned. Good luck head breaks off. you will need to drill again . Just get stainless steal screws with fluid film.

If the nylon heads break off, Toyota said they will remove them for free and replace them at no cost.

 

[Nodak]

even with stainless steel bolts, there will still be corrosion of the threads. i had to drill out a set from my 2014 and rethread the holes.

and thats in a state that prefers dirt over salt.

my procedure is to regrease the threads every year when i get new tags. i remove the whole plate and bolts and put new tags on and clean the plate. then i regrease the threads and use a tooth brush to clean the threads before i put the plate with the new tags back on.

for some odd reason its only the rear plate i have to do these, but i am guessing since the thread are metal vs the front being plastic

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