View Full Version : Sheared Alternator Terminal
rsbrillhart
07-11-2020, 10:08 AM
Day didn't start out well. Wiring up my alternator and evidently over torqued the nut on the positive terminal. Sure didn't seem like i was over tightening, but I sheared the threaded post down to about 1/8". Is this repairable or did I just cost myself a new alternator?
The school of hard-knocks has an expensive tuition but that's how a lot of us gray haired gear-heads have learned over the years. You've spent tens of thousands of $$ and hundreds of hours of your time building a car. This is a minor set back.
Bob Cowan
07-11-2020, 11:04 AM
You can get the parts to replace it. You'll have to order them, and will take a week or two to get them. Then you'll have to split the case and put the new parts in.
I would go to Autozone and get a replacement with a lifetime warranty. Back to work and done in <2 hours.
rsbrillhart
07-11-2020, 12:07 PM
Thanks, good advice and perspective. I ended up taking it off the car, removed the cover and was able to get the terminal bolt off. Looks like I can just get a standard threaded rod, washers and lock nuts and make it work. Maybe even slighter larger diameter so it's more durable.
rich grsc
07-11-2020, 01:29 PM
Put away the 1/2" drive ratchet. Why does it need to be more durable?
TMartinLVNV
07-11-2020, 02:35 PM
Put away the 1/2" drive ratchet. Why does it need to be more durable?
Rich, I thought I was supposed to use my impact gun to tighten everything? It's tight enough when the socket stop turning. :p
rich grsc
07-11-2020, 04:55 PM
That's almost aways true. In this case, 'you stop a half second before the socket stops turning'. :rolleyes:
rsbrillhart
07-11-2020, 07:39 PM
Think I got it "fixed". Went with a slightly larger diameter threaded rod. Agree that it doesn't "need" to be more durable, but clearly I have a heavy hand, so maybe just protecting from myself :)
rich grsc
07-11-2020, 07:54 PM
Glad you got it 'handled'. :)
Avalanche325
07-13-2020, 01:59 PM
Don't forget to update your avatar...131739