bg73

Installing a new battery ground cable with a large rubber grommet that inserts into the battery compartment bottom. This hard rubber grommet is larger than the hole. I have tried dish soap, WD40, white lithium grease and even Vaseline. The grommet just seems too large for the opening. Can anyone explain how to get this grommet into the bottom hole?

oldalaskaman

enlarge the hole ....slightly

brando1118

I'd trim the grommet.....slightly.

...Roger...

Which direction are you installing it ? It only goes in 1 way. It appears to be larger than the hole but the groove inside is not (if your car has not been altered),its designed this way to seal out moisture.

redrdstr72

FWIW, I definitely would NOT enlarge the hole. That's a permanent change to the car, and one that, once the grommet's in, you may regret. The grommet/floor pan seal needs to be water tight. Before reducing the size of the grommet, I'd spend more time trying to get it inserted. They are very tough (don't ask me how I know ).

I used vaseline and a load of "push power", finally getting it to go in on one side. Then, I worked it around, little by little, turning it in place. You'll struggle, but I'm confident you 'll get it. One of the more difficult jobs I've done. I had the advantage of a lift, so the angle for pushing might have given me an advantage over laying on my back.

Good luck with this project.

bg73

Is it better to work from inside the car or from underneath? Sounds like redrdstr72 worked from below and Roger asked which direction?

oldsarge

I did mine from underneath and worked it in around a little at a time, ya it is a tuffy, but they will go in.

redrdstr72

Actually, I did mine from both sides/ends. Pushed from inside and pulled from underneath. I kinda recall getting one part in and then kinda "screwing" back and forth into position. You need to be careful, not pushing or pulling too hard. Otherwise you could break the fiberglass - then you're REALLY in trouble.

Did I mention how tough this job is for such a small task? I'm having flashbacks just typing about it...

bg73

Very helpful hint from somebody else who did this; it takes 2 people. One inside car pushing down and keeping grommet from moving around. One underneath pulling down with channel locks. Use lots of vaseline around the hole before doing this. It took about a half-hour; that included jacking up the car and putting it on jack stands. This works!

69 Chevy

I'm curious if you folks are installing the grommet and cable both at the same time? Or the grommet just by itself won't install?

A tool like this radiator hose puller might help:

bg73

Cable and grommet are sold together. Cable has coonectors crimped on both ends so that the cable does not slide through (we checked). A buddy works best!