Hey guys,


I just bought a new battery and just tried replacing it. I'm coming across a small issue. The way the bolt is holding down the cable for the old battery makes it very difficult to remove. The battery itself has a piece that protrudes up, preventing me from using a socket wrench to loosen it, and the way the bolt is on the clamp prevents me from using a wrench since it is a super tight squeeze. I have a picture that helps make more sense out of it: Anybody have any ideas on how to loosen it? I cleaned the terminal and I was thinking about spraying some wd-40 and waiting for a little bit. Just looking for other ideas.






Thanks,

Did you try an open-end or combo wrench instead of a socket? That's the easiest answer.

If that doesn't work, try a U-joint on the socket end to use the ratchet wrench at an angle.

I used an open-end. I don't have a u joint for my socket wrench unfortunately, but probably a good idea to pick one up. I was also thinking about spraying it with some wd-40 and just approaching it head on with the open end wrench (since it only needs to be loose and not removed). Thanks for the reply.

wedge a screw driver in there and then loosen the back side. it worked for me when I did my battery

The proper way would be a universal joint, as suggested. If you are a fan of improper tool use, locking pliers might do the job too.

Did you try to access the nut after removing the reservoir cap on that side?

Any chance of using a hammer to tap on the cable clamp and spin the clamp clockwise, giving you better access to the nut?

And remember when replacing the nut/ bolt to reverse the direction, so that the nut is more easily accessible.

Yes, that's the "ridge" OP is posting about-- it's the edge of one of the [removable] reservoir caps for the battery!
I was wondering why there was a "ridge" there, but didn't look at the whole pic.

OP: Slide a screwdriver under an edge of the cap and pry up to pop it off-- you might pry up from a couple of different sides. Don't let any debris drop into the battery cells (holes covered by the cap)-- removing the cap will let you get a socket wrench straight to the nut.