What To Do When You Break A Bolt Off In A Weld Nut When Installing A Trailer Hitch
Updated 07/17/2023 | Published 07/13/2023
Question:
I was trying to install your guys trailer hitch on my 2010 town an country and the factory bolt head snapped off with the thread portion still stuck up in the frame. I can not for the life of me find a way to get it out and am at a complete loss for what to do next. Can I just ignore that one bolt and still use the hitch?
asked by: Billy
Expert Reply:
I'm sorry to hear that your installation was not easy peasy, but I may have one tip to help you remove the bolt so you can finish installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98854. Since you have just the stud portion of the bolt left and it's trapped in a weld nut in the frame and can't just drill it out I recommend using a much smaller drill bit, like a 1/16 or 5/32 and carefully drill a few holes in a line in the center of the bolt. It doesn't have to be very deep but keeping it in a straight line is important so that once you're done you can use a flat head screwdriver to get a grip on the bolt and remove it.
Once the bolt is out you'll want to use some penetrating oil on the weld nut and scrub it a bit with a wire brush to clear the threads of any debris or corrosion build up. You'll want to measure the bolt and check the head of it for the grade and can just replace it with one from your local hardware store.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
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