Battery cable locknut
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Lanesville IN
Battery cable locknut
So I replaced my battery today with an Optima Yellow Top and one of the unique locknuts on the connector that tightens the cable connector to the battery post got dropped under the battery stage and I can't get to it.
So I go to an auto parts store and the dealer to find a replacement. No go. The dealer can't find the part number so he is assuming that it comes with a replacement battery cable. These cables are over $100 each. Kinda steep to get a replacement locknut.
Anyone on the forum have an idea on a substitute, or better yet, where I can get a replacement?
So I go to an auto parts store and the dealer to find a replacement. No go. The dealer can't find the part number so he is assuming that it comes with a replacement battery cable. These cables are over $100 each. Kinda steep to get a replacement locknut.
Anyone on the forum have an idea on a substitute, or better yet, where I can get a replacement?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 466
Likes: 8
From: San Diego CA
get a thread gauge, measure the diameter and thread pitch and call a machine parts store and order a new nut (or 5 ...)
or get a piece of gum on the end of a stick, or one of those extendable magnet/screw getter-backer thingies ...
Good luck!
or get a piece of gum on the end of a stick, or one of those extendable magnet/screw getter-backer thingies ...
Good luck!
Last edited by SloChicken; Mar 4, 2010 at 04:16 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 462
From: Southern Utah
To get a machine shop to make one of these from scratch will cost more than the new cable, unless you have a buddy who is a machinist. So you can either:
1. Get a magnet and dig around till you find the nut.
2. Buy a new cable.
3. Replace the connector on the end of the cable with a new aftermarket one.
1. Get a magnet and dig around till you find the nut.
2. Buy a new cable.
3. Replace the connector on the end of the cable with a new aftermarket one.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 19
From: Taylor Mill KY
What makes it unique? I can't get to my car at the moment to look. Remove the other nut. Take it to hardware store and find which bolt works with it. Then buy new nut. If it is a bolt and a nut (not molded) just remove the bolt and replace with a similar one in metric or SAE. As I said earlier, I am not sure what makes them unique. I will try and look tonight at my 2007.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 466
Likes: 8
From: San Diego CA
To get a machine shop to make one of these from scratch will cost more than the new cable, unless you have a buddy who is a machinist. So you can either:
1. Get a magnet and dig around till you find the nut.
2. Buy a new cable.
3. Replace the connector on the end of the cable with a new aftermarket one.
1. Get a magnet and dig around till you find the nut.
2. Buy a new cable.
3. Replace the connector on the end of the cable with a new aftermarket one.
Sorry if I wasn't clear on that point ...
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 52
From: Atmore AL
Dropped one of mine when I was hooking up my CTEK charger. Didn't realize it was different until I found another nut to replace it and it wouldn't tighten up. Panic mode.
After removing the battery and tray, I found mine on a ledge at the bottom of the car. Reached under the car right behind the front wheel well and there it was.
Good luck.
After removing the battery and tray, I found mine on a ledge at the bottom of the car. Reached under the car right behind the front wheel well and there it was.
Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
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From: Connecticut
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
Likes: 127
From: Connecticut
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Marlborough Ma
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 52
From: Atmore AL
Take a pair of pliers and slightly bend the crooked part of the holder and take it apart. Put the CTEK clasp directly on the bolt. Replace the holder and bend the crooked part back in place. Replace flared nut and tighten. You're good to go and a cleaner look. 
It's the way I did mine and works great.
It's the way I did mine and works great.
