My battery terminals stay cruded up. I've cleaned them twice, still the crud comes back. I have decided just to replace the terminals. But I was going to try and clean them until I replace them. Today, while trying to remove the negative side to clean them, I dropped the bolt that holds the tightener down, and lost it. Fortunately, the thing is so corroded that it didn't come lose at all. None of the auto parts stores in town have them. One told me I need to get them from the dealership. Is there somewhere online I can get the terminals? Also, if anyone knows, what size is the bolt that goes on that terminal? I was using a 5/16 socket head. Would a 5/16 nut fit it? Thanks ahead of time for any help.

 

the nut will fit as long as the thread pitch is the same, if the bolt comes out take it to the hardware store and match one up, as for the corrosion clean them again then spray them with some clear spray paint and BLAMO, no more corrosion.

 

Last time I cleaned them I tried using WD40 on them. I remember being told long ago that helped stop corrosion. It didn't. Thanks for the info.

 

What have you been cleaning the terminals with? I was successful cleaning mine with a little water and baking soda. Seems to have stop the corrosion I was having on the positive side terminal.

 

Some battery terminal cleaner I picked up at an auto parts store. Don't remember the brand name off hand. Actually it's not my positive side that is the problem, it's the negative side.

 

One of mine was doing this so I cleaned it with a wire brush, water, and baking soda. After cleaning, I coated every thing with vasoline (post and clamp). Problem solved for 12 months now. The root cause is acid vapor leaking around the post, you just gotta coat exposed metal.

 

The problem is, I can't get the negative terminal off. It's corroded too the point that it's welded on. I'm probably going to have to get new terminals. But, the local parts store don't have them. I tried searching online with no luck.

 

And this is why I run with only Sealed AGM Batteries. No more corrosion.

 

Pour Coca Cola on the corrosion and let it set for a while. It'll eat it off then rinse it with a garden hose. after you get everything cleaned up put some grease on the posts that will stop the acid from seeping up and into your contacts.

 

There is a spray my dad has that is reddish in color that you spray on after cleaning that works wonders. Last time I used it was close to 2 years ago, no corrosion.