How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2007 Cadillac SRX
- 1). Lower and remove the spare tire from under the vehicle, as per the manufacturer's instructions. Locate the six rubber exhaust hangers; two are in front of each muffler and one is to the rear. Raise the exhausts one at a time, lifting them so that no downward pressure is on the rubber hangers, then remove the rubber hangers from their individual brackets. The exhausts will remain in place.
- 2). Use a wrench or socket to remove the three nuts securing both rearward exhaust hanger brackets; the studs are captive and remain in place. Remove the brackets.
- 3). Use a hacksaw, reciprocating saw -- "sawzall" -- or an angle grinder to remove the lower of the three studs that held the two rearmost exhaust hanger brackets in place. It may be necessary to deform the heat shields to gain access; do this by gently pressing on the heat shields with the palms of your hands, modifying their positions only as far as is necessary to gain access to the lower stud on each side. Leave both upper studs on both sides untouched.
- 4). Reinstall both of the rearmost exhaust hanger brackets, using only the two upper stud/nut combinations.
- 5). Lift the hitch into position beneath the vehicle. Holes in the hitch are placed to align exactly with the captive nuts installed in the frame rails by the factory. Install the size M-12 bolts supplied with the hitch into the preexisting captive nuts, supporting the weight of the hitch as you do so, until all are finger tight. Use all lock- or toothed-washers as provided in the kit. Use a torque wrench to tighten all the fasteners to 60 foot-pounds.
- 6). Raise the exhausts by hand, one at a time, so that they are elevated close to the exhaust hanger brackets and reinstall the rubber hangers. Replace the spare wheel.
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