Gman in NC

Put a new battery in my C6 a few days ago. I think all is well but just wondered how that connector tightens up? The nut just seems to clamp 'down' instead of compress the connector. I managed to get it fairly tight but can also wiggle it loose if I try. Starting to thing the old side terminals might have been better.

BigMonkey73

I agree that the OEM terminals suck.

Based on another member's recommendation, I ordered and installed these:


They work really well and tighten up with allen wrenches. Look good too.

weathermaker

I've had my battery out a couple of times and the clamps seemed to work.

Don-Vette

When I put my new Interstate battery in a few months ago, I don't think I loosened the nut more than 2 turns,then just lifted terminal off with a flat blade screwdriver, slip on new battery and slightly tap terminal down with the flat blade screwdriver so there is no possible way it can wiggle. Then tightened nuts back up. (everything coated with dielectric grease)

I think people may be loosening clamp too much.

ZR1 136

Thanks for the link. I have one connection that just will not tighten. I will buying a set of these. They look great and having multiple cables that come oem this looks like a very great upgrade option.

cclive

One of my winter projects is to replace the battery connectors...the oem ones are crummy and because they are steel, they make it difficult to get a good connection with jumper cables.

armerjr

I couldn't get my negative terminal to clamp down tight. I compressed it with a clamp to force the top portion to get tighter. Tightens easily now.

armerjr

Sorry if not clear. Used a clamp on the connector to make the opening that fits over the post smaller.

Gearhead Jim

Our dealer tech says you can improve a loose connection by loosening the screw and removing the clamp, use (needle nose?) pliers to bend the "collar" slightly inward in several places, then reinstall and snug the screw.

We still have GMPP, so when our + clamp failed, they had to replace the whole positive cable down to the starter. Their money, not mine.

Gman in NC

That's exactly what I did. Should be OK but I do like those upgraded connectors on Amazon. Might check with a sterio store too.

cclive

I have always thought that side terminals were a better way of connecting to a car battery. Unfortunately, all side terminal batteries have the + and - terminal locations reversed from our batteries, so it would be difficult to switch to one of them.

need-for-speed

Is it possible that he lost the cone washer ( without realizing it ) ?

Bob Paris

tloon

The cone and nut are one piece.

tloon

These clamps from Mcmaster Carr work really well. Low profile and not real noticable.

Mack1919

Do you have a part number for Mcmaster Carr?

Thanks,
Mack

tloon

53175K31 It is the largest diameter of those mini clamps. You need to run it out as far as possible, still keeping it connected. Just fits over but will tighten up nicely. Comes in a pack of ( 5 ) for about $10.00.

Mack1919

Thanks so much for the p/n.

Mack