How can I repair this rotted fence post with footing below ground?

Question

I have two adjacent 4×4 fence posts that are wobbly. I excavated one:

It is set in a concrete footing that is maybe 4–6" below ground. The portion of the post that was below ground is rotten, while the rest seems fine. I’m not sure if the ground level is rising, but this footing has been below the surface since we moved in ~10 years ago.

How can I repair them? It’s okay if it doesn’t look great, but I want a robust fix while minimizing the amount of labor. I also want to avoid hiring someone.

The horizontal 2×4s could be removed permanently. The re-bar is an attempt to temporarily stabilize it.

We are in an arid but not super dry climate, and this area is one of the wetter parts of the yard.

Answer 1

I've used an "easy mender" (see below) with success. It fits around one side of a 4x4 fence post and the protruding strike ledge is used to drive it down. It gets driven down along the post until the point goes between the post and the concrete it's embedded in. Basically, the steel mender gets wedged into the concrete, making a new stable base. Then, just use nails, bolts or screws to secure the mender's side to the still-good upper post section.

Answer 2

It really isn’t that difficult. Remove the screws that hold the fence to the post, dig close to the concrete as much as you can. This will loosen the post so you can wrap a rope or chain around it, use your new post as leverage, wrapping the rope about two feet from the end and lift the long end up to pull the old post out. Place your new pressure treated post in the hole, refasten your fence, and put a bag of concrete mix around the new post, water generously to set up the concrete mix. Should be completed in an hour or less. I’ve done this several times through my 65 years. You have a totally NEW post that will last 15-20 years

Answer 3

It failed because it is not pressure treated wood.

You will not get around some hard labor in removing that concrete, but there are other solutions.

You could try using a 12 inch drill and drill the wood out, but the result might be questionable in putting new post in. You could rent a jack hammer.

Or you can skip it and just make new post next to it. It will require modifying the fence.

Or you could remove the rotten wood out of the hole, then fill the hole with concrete, the use concrete post mounting bracket. (metal) Those come in many shapes so choose one that suits you. This one requires least labor, just some drilling and bolts.