Getting rid of intersecting paths of a single object?

[Rolzay]

Hey guys, I've ran into a small problem, and I really have no idea how to explain it, but I'll try my best. I've found a way to go around this problem, which is not a 100% tidy solution, but for future reference I would really like to know how to do this the correct way, because it is wrecking my head!

Basically I need to get rid of the intersecting paths as you can see in the image below. The whole object is a single path. Now I've tried many ways, but none seem to work, I've tried shape builder, pathfinder modes, the scissor tool, the path eraser tool, even tried to add new anchor points around that are and deleting the path in the middle, but without luck. When I use any of those tools the whole object just becomes messed up. I'm sure there has to be some tool that helps with this that I have not discovered yet.

Please if anyone has a solution for this, let me know.

Thanks

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

Object > Live Paint > Make and use the Live Paint Selection Tool to select and delete the unwanted strokes.

[Rolzay]

Holy sh, works perfect, thank you so much

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear that worked for you!