TheGoodGuy

Hey everyone! I've got a tow hitch bolt that popped the "factory welded nut" off inside the frame. It was almost no torque too, so it must have just been a nasty weld. Is there anyway to get it out of there and replace it? I can't seem to find a way to get into the top half of the frame so I assume it's closed like a box.

If the ends are free I could use a magnet to drag it out the back, but I don't see an open end there either and I'd rather not push the bolt up into the frame with it (they're still stuck together) if I can't get them both out. I'd rather just put a weld on the bolt and call it done, welding the bolt to the hitch bolt point.

Any genius ideas?

smassey321

Are you trying to install or remove the hitch? If installing you can still use the nut right? If you can keep it from spinning. Impact wrench perhaps. The weld just keeps the nut from spinning and holds the nut in place if there is no hitch.

Does the hitch mount to studs hanging down? It has been many years and I can't remember.

TheGoodGuy

The hitch mounts to holes in the frame. I'm trying to install, but there is no way to hold the nut still and turn the bolt. It's just freewheeling on the end up there. I did try to squinch it over to the side to get it to stay still, but no go. It still spins with the bolt.

numbafree

post a pic please.

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

On some cars the frame rails are open at the back. Below is a non-Lexus with the bumper beam removed. You can see the open frame rails. You may want to see if the RX is the same and if it is you could access the loose nut from there.

TheGoodGuy

Here's a pic. It's the last (farthest front) bolt on the passenger side.











I haven't removed the bumper fascia yet, but that's what I'm hoping, Keith. Does anyone know if the frame is open like that?

numbafree

your thread is of very high interest to me, because I need to put a tow hitch on my RX as well (tow motorcycles to the track).

smassey321

Is it partially threaded? If so, pull down to add some resistance and hit it with pulses from an impact wrench. It may snug right up. Your picture looks like a stud. Did that come with your hitch? If so, pick up a grade 8 bolt at Lowes or HD and use that instead.

Bravery

I see two options-

The resistance option is a good one. Try to get some leverage on it with pry bary and maybe one of the rachet wrenches that is only reversible by using a switch (not flipping it) then use a jam nut set up (two nuts tightened together on the stud) and put downward pressure on the rachet wrench as you turn it. It might just keep the back end of the stud tightened enough to loosen it.

Or since its not in an area where eyes can see it I would use a rotobroach and cut a small 3/4" hole in the side of the frame to access the back side of the stud. And I wouldn't worry about structural integrity. Aircraft use lightening holes on everything. It actually makes this more rigid- if you can try to flare the new hole inward using a mallet and a rounded piece of wood to increase stiffness in the metal. Hope this helps.