I purchased one of the license plate holders that uses the tow hook slot. While at a shop having the front end wrapped in Xpel the technician had to remove the license plate. He basically ruined the the post coming out of the tow hook slot. Now the post is in there so tight I cant get it out. He said it was too tight when he tried to loosen it. I wouldn't let the shop technician continue try and get it out. I didn't want him to damage the bumper. He said it was in there too tight. When I installed it i didn't over tighten it so the only thing I can guess is that dirt got in there somehow and it caused the threads to jam. I only have 1000 miles on the car (no rain) so I can't believe that much dirt got in there. Anyone have any ideas how to get it out of there?

 

spray in penetrating fluid and wait. spray some more and wait. If the post has a slot slide a pipe thru the hole (the longer the better) and try turning it. DOnt be shy about. its designed to be strong. If that doesnt work use more spray. It should come out.

 

penetrating fluid for sure and let it sit for a while

make sure you are turning the right direction. use a long wrench to torque it out

 

Thanks. I will try the penetrating fluid but the bolt is smooth and only about a 1/4 inche is sticking out from the body.

 

Use a vise - grip, that should hold it as you turn.

 

Spray than tap with hammer. Spray than tap with hammer. Get the picture?

 

drill it out in reverse

 

penetrating oil and an ezout:

http://www.sears.com/tools-hand-tool...e=CAT_REC_PRED

 

It's reversed thread. When they were trying to remove it, they were actually tightening it.

Try turning clockwise.

 

Previous thread is correct. Look in your Owner's Manual on page 269. The towing lug is left-hand thread.

 

eep. Good to know..

 

got pix?

 

I got it out. Yes it was reverse thread. That is how it got over tighten by the tech. He didn't realize it was left handed thread. The problem was that there was very little of the holder to grab on. The penetrating oil and hitting it with a hammer finally freed it up enough so it could be removed by the little bit that was left. Thanks for all your help.

 

I'm not as stupid as I look. lolol

 

BOBP.....as you mentioned in your earlier post..."Get the picture"....well....."I got the Picture" It actually worked quite well...thanks for you help.