rbaevergreen

I noticed these cracks on my hitch. It's the part that appears to sit under the bumper. It doesn't appear to be structural. I bought it used but I don't think this has been welded before even though there is welding shown. Thoughts?

lilspeedy626

Use a wire brush and clean all that out, Afterwards touch up with some paint. From the look of the picture I dont think it affects the structural of the hitch. It looks like its more of a support of the bumper. Not a big deal in my eyes.

Feathermerchant

It is a piece of sheetmetal welded to the hitch. It supports the plastic bumper cover.
I would also look at the inside of the hitch tube for rust. When the metal was heated by the 'welder' the paint burned off leaving bare metal to the elements.
The question is why did it need to be rewelded? Was there other damage?



Picture with plastic bumper cover removed.




Close up of sheet metal piece. Yes it is bent. I think the previous owner backed into something.

rbaevergreen

So mine definitely looks re-welded?

Feathermerchant

It does to me. What does the inside of the tube look like?

raisin

I'd get a can of fluid film from auto zone and spray hitch and into cracks.

ifallsron

You pic looks exactly like my truck. I plan to knock the decay with a hammer to see what happens and repair as needed.

rbaevergreen

Interesting. Are you aware of any welding? I wire brushed and painted mine (outside only).

ifallsron

If you look closely at the photo and as reported, it is part of the bumper cover support. I see spot welds on mine but it otherwise has deteriorated badly. It doesn't seem vital inasmuch as I'll likely never use the bumper for a ball or attachment.

STingray1300

It does to me too. And garbage welds too, looks like hammered crap. I'm still trying to figure out why the stress cracks run as they do. Looks like that bracket was forced UP, like as a result of an accident or slamming down on a rock.

My suggestion is do more than a wire brush. Beg for or borrow a an angle grinder and put a wire wheel on it. Take all the rust off down to bright shiny metal. Then spend $8 on a can of Rustoleum truck bed paint and put several coats on the area.

Short of cutting it off and rewelding it on (properly), this is your best bet.