TRD skid plate rear bolts loose

Came home from a 50 mile run on gravel roads, some washboard conditions but nothing unusual. On the way home noticed a rattle sound when front tires hit a bump, even a small bump. Upon inspection the rear two bolts of the OEM TRD skid plate were loose, one quite loose, finger loose, and another few turns would have fallen out. This allowed the skid plate to rattle of course. These are bolts that should NEVER vibrate loose.

I did take the truck into dealer for a (somewhat early) first oil change where they no doubt removed the skid plate. So surely they were not tightened enough at that time.

I understand human error and am not terribly concerned....yet. But wondering if anyone else has had a case of these bolts coming loose? I don't think they have lock washers under the bolt head, but not sure.

And similar observations or suggestions welcome

 

You have to remove the TRD skid to change the oil? The removable door on the prior gen was way too convenient I guess.

 

According to the description you don't need to remove it. A little blue loctite on the threads should keep it snug. It's always a good idea to check those every so often though.

• Genuine:
  
• SKUTR60-34220
• Other Names:Tun Seq Fskp Pow Coa
• Description:
  REQUIRES 6X 90119-A0549 FOR INSTALLATION
  
  Beef up the aggressive stance of your Tundra while protecting its underbody from off-road hazards with the TRD skid plate.
  
  • Prevents damage to underbody from rocks, branches, ice chunks and other types of road debris
  • Easy no-drill installation uses vehicle's existing attachment mounts
  • Rigorously tested to maximize protection and prevent vibration, stress and noise
  • Won't interfere with or block cooling system
  • Provides unobstructed access to all maintenance points and vehicle tow hooks
  • Made from stamped and formed 1/4-in thick aluminum
  • Red TRD lettering helps provide a sporty look
  Fitment: 2022-23 Tundra
  

 

Provides unobstructed access to Vehicle tow hooks they say on a 3rd gen?

Toyota clearly copy pasted the description.

 

Any one know the torque spec on TRD skid plate? Thanks

 

found it. 22 ft/lbs
http://toyotaparts.sparkstoyota.com/install/PTR60-34220inst.pdf

 

Good to know. The rear 4 bolts were loose, finger loose on two of them. This was after a dealer oil change so I attributed it to that.

Anyone finding them loose for no reason?

 

Mine weren’t loose.
I removed my skid prior to my “free” oil change. I don’t trust dealer techs removing the skid and reinstalling properly.

 

This here lil' Toyota Tundra message board is full of stories of lost skid plate bolts after dealer service work.

There's one proven and sure way to make sure this never happens to you again..........

 

Oil change techs always give me concern. While My last Tundra was under warranty I handed them the tube of blue lock tite for skid plate bolts.