Can I Still Transport a Bike Rack on My Draw-Tite # 75684 With a Broken Bolt?

Question:

While installing the Draw Tite 75684 class III hitch on my 2010 Santa Fe 3.5L SE AWD, I put too much torque on the carriage bolt and snapped the nut that was welded on the inside of the frame. The nut and bolt are tight and holds the receiver hitch securely to the vehicle frame but since I snapped the welds obviously I cannot tighten further or loosen. 3 of the 4 bolts are installed correctly. I am using the hitch only to carry a bike rack not for towing as I dont have the electrical. Is there sufficient strength in the 3 and a half bolts for this purpose? Thanks etrailer.com team

asked by: Leland

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. If you are wanting to transport only a bike rack on the Draw-Tite # 75684 on your 2010 Hyundai Sante Fe, there is no way for sure to know if 3 out of the 4 bolts will be enough to withstand the weight of the rack and the combined weight of the bikes. Even though it will probably be OK for a single bike rack, I strongly recommend getting the fourth weld nut replaced/properly torqued before you proceed with testing it out.
There is always the option to drill the broken bolt off and get a replacement from your local Hyundai dealer.

expert reply by: Bob C