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How to Put Bolts in a Side Post Battery

The side post battery is a simple connection that has a special bolt with a large built-in flat washer surrounded by and tucked under a plastic cover. This terminal, bolts to a flat lead post with a 3/8-inch threaded hole in the center. The plastic cover of the side post terminal holds the special bolt securely in place and protects the connections from the elements reducing corrosion which reduces connection failures. If the terminal bolts head or threads become stripped or damaged the bolt should be replaced. Replacement bolts are available.

Instructions

1

Disconnect both side post terminals from the battery using a socket and ratchet or vise grip pliers if the bolts head is stripped. Remove the negative terminal of the battery first.

2

Thread a 3/8-inch nut a few turns onto the terminal bolt to be removed. The nut will expand the surface area of the bolt end.

3

Pull the terminal with the bolt to be removed away from the battery. Select a deep well socket that is much larger than the terminal bolts washer located under the plastic cover and place it centered over the head of the bolt.

4

Hammer the nut end of the terminal bolt while supporting the other side with a large deep well socket until the bolt pushes through the plastic and into the socket. It may require the socket be backed up against the engine block or a solid surface.

5

Place the new terminal bolt into the terminal and use a small screwdriver like a shoe horn to slip the washer ledge of the new bolt under the plastic cover.

6

Brush the battery posts clean with a wire brush.

7

Reconnect both battery terminals. Connect the positive terminal first as a safety precaution.