Hi everyone,
Today I needed to replace the battery in my XJ, so I went to Advance Auto. The technician did the job for me, but in the process he sheared off the smallest of the three bolts that connects the battery to the body (see photo). He said the two main bolts will hold the battery just fine and it's not going anywhere, but I wonder about that third bolt at the front. How necessary is it? Is it enough of a safety issue that I should go to the trouble of drilling the old bolt out and replacing it? Opinions please...
Thanks a lot!

 

I wouldn't replace it.....

 

Not a safety issue.
I don't even have that extra little piece. By now it would have done something.
Never had a problem.

 

Yup, it will be fine!

 

I suggest trying to move the battery as it sits now. If you can move it, maybe think of securing it more, but chances are, its not going anywhere.

A coworker of mine had a completely stock XJ that had NO battery bars, her's somehow, and i'm still unsure how, made contact with the hood, grounding the battery out. This is one of the 2 main concerns.

The other would be the battery sliding around and smacking something, potentially cracking the battery case.

But those are really small chances.

 

No safety issue at all, but one question, why did you have somebody else install your battery for you?

 

I was actually wondering this too, but I guess something seemingly as simple as that, if they will do it for free, why not. But apparently it wasnt that simple for the parts store guy.

 

As long as the battery doesn't move as is, make sure you check it first. Assuming things are "ok" isn't really a good idea!


Don't parts stores install them for free?

Hell, as long as I can watch the worker and make sure he does it right, I'll let them do some easy work that I don't have to pay for!

 

Mine doesnt even have a bar like that. It just sits in a cracked up rusty tray free to move around as it pleases. And the battery is too big for the hood to close it rests ont op of the battery so i have the top of the posts covered in electrical tape and the spot where it would touch the hood covered in duct tape and the hood secured with more duct tape...its not pretty. *sigh* And the only reason its like that is cuz i had to pay to get the alternator replaced. It was rusted in there and locked up had a melted wire and had them throw in a new battery too. Damn ripoff artists! There are no decent and honest mechanics in this town so im limited to paying out the *** for crap work or figuring it out on my own.

 

I trust no one, I'll install my own battery even if it is free to have them do it.

 

You guessed it, it was buy the battery, get it installed for free! I lent my tools to a buddy of mine last week not expecting the battery to die, so it sounded like a good idea at the time. You guys are right, though-- An XJ owner should do as much maintenance as they can themselves. I enjoy the challenge of learning how it works and how to fix it. Thanks for the prompt feedback. This is a great forum.