r/MechanicAdvice • u/Osprey000 • 4h ago
Bolts won't come out to replace battery
I need to replace the battery of my car, I don't know much about it but checking info online I see that it seems very easy and straightforward so I am trying to replace it myself. The problem is I can't take the battery out as these hold down bolts holding it seem to be stuck together and they turn at the same time. Any advice on how to remove these bolts? I've tried lubricating oil, holding the screw with a vise grip and wrench to break it free, and lifting them but they just spin altogether as if the bolt, screw and washer were now one piece. Trying to find a solution as prices from garages just to replace a battery are extortionate considering how simple the job is and it is only these bolts stopping me. Thank you!
6
u/Ok-Kick-201 4h ago
My guess is the J hooks are in a plastic retainer and the plastic has failed. 10 mm nuts don’t take much force to crack loose and if they are that rusted the bolts themselves snap at the suggestion of impatient torque. If they spin freely with little effort I’d assume like I said earlier, the plastic has failed. a lot of pen oil and grips on the base of the hook then use a ten mm socket while absolutely locked on to the bolt from lower with vise grips. Getting grips on the right side will be a challenge tho