Fixing Broken Weld Nuts on 2006 Honda Odyssey Installing a CURT Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver

Updated 08/27/2010 | Published 08/25/2010

Question:

As I was cleaning and working the bolts into the weld-nuts on my 2006 Odyssey, the nut broke loose inside the right rear frame member. The nut spins loosely in place. I cant find an easy access spot. I also cant get the bolt out. Any suggestions?

asked by: Michael M

Expert Reply:

The weld nuts were probably still dirty, when you were installing the hitch which caused the weld nut to brake off when putting torque on it. If you have not already installed the other bolts, you will want to clean them out with WD-40 and wire brush (see video link).

What you will want to do is take some vice grips to hold the head of the bolt in place, then take an angle grinder with a cut off wheel or a reciprocating saw to cut the bolt. Then, using an access hole towards the front of the vehicle use a magnet to fish out the broken nut from inside the frame rail.

What you will have to do is install new hardware. To install the new hardware you will use the access hole towards the front of the vehicle on the bottom of the frame rail. You may have to notch it out a bit to fit the new hardware in. Then, using a 1/2 inch line pull you will place the 2 inch by 1 inch block on the line and thread the 1/2 inch by 1-1/2 inch carriage bolt on. Feed the other end of the line through the hole where the broken weld nut was and the bolt should come through. Then, you will thread on the 1/2 inch flange nut and torque it down as specified in the instructions.

I have linked a video below that shows typical way to use line pull to feed hardware through frame rail, and a video to clean out weld nuts. I have also linked instructions for the hitch installation.

expert reply by: Reno H