Corroded Battery Terminal

[bigmck]

I have put some baking soda/water to get the corrosion off. When pulling on the terminal, is there any chance of pulling the post from the battery?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Spread the terminal open with a large slotted screwdriver in the slot between the bolt and nut.

 

[Number4]

You will not pull the post from the battery. What is your exact issue? The corrosion or having an issue removing the battery cable?

 

[bigmck]

The terminal is very tight from the corrosion and when I move it back and forth to loosen it the post moves also. I have decided not to pursue taking it off since my Explorer starts and is on its last leg anyway. == Just curious though, if I used a screwdriver to force it off, is there any chance of damaging the battery post so the battery does not work. Thanks,

 

[Mbrooks420]

If you pry the slot open with a screwdriver, it will remove from the post easily. Some cocoa cola might eat through the corrosion between the post and clamp.

 

[bigmck]

If you pry the slot open with a screwdriver, it will remove from the post easily. Some cocoa cola might eat through the corrosion between the post and clamp.

Yes, I understand that but am passed that level since it appears the post is turning when I attempt to loosen the terminal, I am concerned about damaging the post/battery?

 

[Number4]

If the post itself moves, there’s already some serious issues. Do the sides of the battery look like they are bulged out at all? They should be completely flat.

 

[bigmck]

If the post itself moves, there’s already some serious issues. Do the sides of the battery look like they are bulged out at all? They should be completely flat.

No, no bulging sides. The truck starts fine but I am not going to do any more work on the battery. It did not turn until I started trying to get the terminal off. When I say turn, it does not go 360 degrees but does move maybe an eighth of an inch when I attempt to get the terminal off.

 

[Mbrooks420]

If it didn’t start, then did when you started messing with it, you are on borrowed time. I’d spread the terminal out after fully removing the bolt, or I’d cut it off and replace it, they are $5-7. I fail to see how you could be past the point of removal. I can see how you may have already damaged your battery, at which point the terminal needs replaced anyways.

 

[Number4]

Is the end of your battery cable the modern thin metal style? Or do you have a clamp on old fashion lead looking one?

 

[bigmck]

Like I said, it starts fine. Sunday I looked under the hood and saw that the positive terminal was covered with corrosion. I was going to replace the terminals and follow some instructions on eliminating corrosion, Just a little maintenance. Since the terminal is stuck on there, I have cleaned off the corrosion and will keep an eye on it,

 

[Mbrooks420]

If it’s your only vehicle I’d buy a terminal to keep on hand.

 

[Donystoy]

They do sell pullers to remove cables from batteries. It is similar to a gear puller that should be available at most auto parts stores. It has thin jaws that push in under the clamp when operated. Got mine many years ago from Canadian Tire.
The tiny movement of the battery post that you indicated should not be an issue but certainly do not go any farther.

 

[bigmck]

Is the end of your battery cable the modern thin metal style? Or do you have a clamp on old fashion lead looking one?

The cable hooks on the terminal with a clamp and two bolts.

 

[Number4]

OMG! That is a hack job of hack jobs. Destined for cable issues. Put a bullet in it and put it down.

Shame on the person that did that. Shame.

Those terminals are best to use the battery terminal pullers with. Pushes down on the battery while pulling up on the connector.

When batteries discharge without being charged, they corrode.

 

[bigmck]

They do sell pullers to remove cables from batteries. It is similar to a gear puller that should be available at most auto parts stores. It has thin jaws that push in under the clamp when operated. Got mine many years ago from Canadian Tire.
The tiny movement of the battery post that you indicated should not be an issue but certainly do not go any farther.

Thanks for the reply. That is what I thought also. == The picture looks cruddy I know. I only sprayed some corrosion stuff on the battery and did not bother yesterday to clean it up real good. Thanks to all for your replies