Side post %^## battery terminal broke off

WolfeMacleod · 11-09-2011, 03:17 PM

So I've got this 2002 Saturn SL1 that's my daily driver.
Original battery finally decided to give up the ghost. Since I have today off, I figured I'd replace the battery.
Side terminals that thread in,so no actual "posts"
Bolt holding the negative terminal came out just dandy.
Positive terminal bolt is being a liiitleee bit toughter.

The entire terminal of the battery decided to rip itself clean away from the battery, lead block, and all..... of course, with the bolt still stuck it in. Unfortunately, the bolt is a fixed part if the battery leads, crimped inside somehow.

NOTHING I have tried has managed to get the bolt loosened.

Any tips on getting this B%#*h out of there?

masraum · 11-09-2011, 03:37 PM

Since the end of the wire is probably essentially a brass washer with some plastic/rubber encasing it on the edges, you could probably drill or cut through the lead portion fairly easily. You should be able to pick up a new "bolt" at the auto parts store.

Essentially, don't worry about destroying anything except the cable and cable end. And even if it came down to it, you could even destroy the cable end. You could also buy a new cable end if necessary.

on2wheels52 · on2wheels52's Garage

Krikey, is GM still using them? I remember fighting corroded side-terminals in the early '80's. Once you replace the terminal end you'll be cutting the cable back 'till it's too short to reach.
Jim

john walker's workshop · 11-09-2011, 05:42 PM

maybe cut the damn thing off and crimp a new heavy duty eye on the cable.

Normy · 11-09-2011, 05:46 PM

I'm with John Walker- cut it off, install a new terminal. The nearest auto parts store probably has them.

DUDE- you got 9 years out of a battery? OMG! Under-hood mounted batteries last 3 tops here in Florida!

N

WolfeMacleod · 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

maybe cut the damn thing off and crimp a new heavy duty eye on the cable.

John, the problem with that, is that it's not the "eye" type that clamps over a terminal post. It's the crap that screws into th e battery with a SOFT 7mm bolt.
Cable is already kinda short as it is.

Normy, we bought the car in 2001, actually,.

I'll take pics tomorrow. Still can't get the damned thing off.

Funy thing? There appears to be NO corrosion at all.

Rick V · 11-10-2011, 02:22 AM

Side cutters and cut the lead away, You can also get replacement bolts anywhere, I would recommend replacing the bolt, just because it has been a pain, that'll learn it

jpk · 11-10-2011, 04:48 AM

Why not melt the lead away with a propane torch?

kaisen · 11-10-2011, 05:03 AM

The bolts DO come out of the wires. They pop in and out. Cut off the back where it is stuck in the battery remnant. Then you can cock it a few degrees and push it out of the end. New bolts and a new battery and you're off and running. I've had nearly 100 1996-2002 Saturns, and have six right now. So I know them pretty well.....

masraum · 11-10-2011, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfeMacleod

John, the problem with that, is that it's not the "eye" type that clamps over a terminal post. It's the crap that screws into th e battery with a SOFT 7mm bolt.
.

It is an eye if you don't have the bolt in as you can see here. The "eye" is essentially a flat washer that the bolt clamps to the side of the battery. Based on the picture below, you could buy something like this if you can find it (I've never seen one before this) and add it to the end of the cable instead of having to add an end.

You can also get an all lead replacement.

If you have room, you could even add a post terminal to the new battery and use one of the more conventional ends on the cable.

Or, you could just replace the whole cable. It should run from the battery to the starter. Hopefully the starter is between the motor and radiator instead of being between the motor and firewall. If the starter is on the front, then the cable itself should be fairly short and fairly easy to replace.