Nut inside the frame broke off when removing the tow hook for a new hitch receiver

CrashMcLarson · Apr 18, 2023

Ive read a few threads, but all ive seen is someone who cut into the frame through the "end caps" and another video of a guy who welded two nuts onto two washers and fished it in there for both holes. Only one of my washers broke free so far... Im wondering if anyone else has experienced this and has any ideas... I dont have a welder.

MikeinNH67 · Apr 18, 2023

Once the old tacked on nut is pushed up into the frame, the easiest thing to do is fish a bolt into the frame so it pokes down. You can use a thin wire or maybe even an extendable magnet wand. There's holes in the side of the frame to fish it in. I did this for my tank strap and on other cars.

zguy1 · Apr 19, 2023

I went through something similar when I tried to install an aftermarket tow hitch. See here. I ended up cutting out the broken bolt with a rotozip and then removed the remaining bolt with a magnetic tool.. I fished a new bolt through the frame using this. I ground a groove in the bolt to hold it in place while tightening the nut.

I used this same technique again when I broke another bolt removing my gas tank. Since I do not weld, this was the best technique I could come up with.

CrashMcLarson · Apr 19, 2023

What do you mean grinded a groove in the bolt so it catches? When the bolt head is on the inside of the frame on the flat surface what is it gonna catch on so it doesn't just keep turning when trying to tighten it?

zguy1 · Apr 19, 2023

CrashMcLarson said:
What do you mean grinded a groove in the bolt so it catches? When the bolt head is on the inside of the frame on the flat surface what is it gonna catch on so it doesn't just keep turning when trying to tighten it?

Take a look at post #21 in the thread I referenced earlier. I used a washer in addition to the bolt on the inside of the frame. Yes, the bolt will turn initially, but you will hold the bolt in place with a flat head screwdriver while you tighten the nut with a wrench. Once you get it very tight, you should be able to remove the screwdriver and torque the nut as needed. I did not initially expect to be able to tighten with a torque wrench but I was able too. If it doesn't work you can always take it to a shop. I can't weld so I tried this method and it has worked twice for me so far.

MikeinNH67 · Apr 19, 2023

zguy1 said:
I fished a new bolt through the frame using this.

That fish wire is pretty neat.

zguy1 said:
Yes, the bolt will turn initially, but you will hold the bolt in place with a flat head screwdriver while you tighten the nut with a wrench. Once you get it very tight, you should be able to remove the screwdriver and torque the nut as needed.

I used a longer bolt, put a lock washer on, spun a nut on by hand and then used vice-grips to hold the end while tightening. You can cut off the extra on the bolt if needed.

Nut inside the frame broke off when removing the tow hook for a new hitch receiver

CrashMcLarson

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