I got the same problem recently. Crashbar destroys the Joint.
Bought mc used and could see from previous owner had some drops and flange from crashbar wore it amost completely through and of course I had my drop and broke it thru.
Whoever designed the crashbar should be shot. Too cheap to extend it to the frame more and away from the joint part.
So, best way to replace it is taking the water pump off?
Can it be done without removing anything but the plastic joint? Trying to find a easy quick solution without removing more parts to lose or break.