Weldnut Broken Inside Frame When Installing Trailer Hitch - What Do I Do?
Question:
I was tightening one of the six bolts and cranked on it too hard. Something snapped and now the bolt just spins. It didnt snap the bolt because it wont come out. The other five I was able to get in okay. Will the hitch hold okay with five or should I figure out something to do about the sixth bolt?
asked by: Aaron
Expert Reply:
I am sorry to hear that, Aaron. It sounds like the weldnut inside the frame has broken loose which honestly really sucks. This does happen on rare occasions and unfortunately the hitch cannot be used in this state.
The bolt will need to be removed. This is best done with a grinder, or torch. Then the best thing to do is use the fish wire method to put a carriage bolt and spacer into the frame. a spacer like part # RP3022 should work well for this purpose, although I do not know the exact frame size on your Odyssey.
We actually made a video that goes over this process in detail, and I have provided a link to this video below. If you want to try to fix it yourself, this should get you going in the right direction. You could also just pay a shop to install a new weldnut for you but this can be costly.
Products Referenced in This Question
Trailer Hitch Spacer Block - 3" Long x 1" Wide x 1/4" Thick
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Hitch
- Hardware
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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Aaron
4/9/2024
Thanks. This makes perfect sense now. Is there any guidance on what size/spec of carriage bolt that I should use as a replacement?