Weldnut Broken Inside Frame When Installing Trailer Hitch - What Do I Do?

Updated 04/09/2024 | Published 04/07/2024

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.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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?

Jesse M.

4/9/2024

@Aaron It will need to be a grade 8 bolt. Preferably you would use something similar to the other bolts which are M12 1.25 x 35 grade 8 bolts. For this application you may want to go longer than 1.25" though, just to be safe. You will also want a conical tooth washer and nut to go with it. We do not really sell individual bolts and nuts here, but you should be able to find one at a local hardware store or even an auto parts store.