Any Aluminium/Metal experts out there.

[rswift]

Not sure if this is the correct forum but;

This is an issue that is just become to surface concerning fitting of metal fastenings .. nuts & bolts .. to an aluminium bodied car.

Specifically, Jaguar X350 (XJ6/XJ8 2003-2009). These cars are great, when working .. but often suffer from an array of electrical gremlins, random warning lights etc. It now appears that one major culprit is the earth studs fitted to the car. They're not very good, and prone to snapping off ! Now on a steel car, it would be easy to drill a new hole and stick a nut and bolt in. Job done. Re an Aluminium car there is the issue of bimetallic corrosion, or similar. Is it simply a case of using aluminium nuts/bolts on an aluminium car .. or is there more to it. Also what is the difference between 'Anodised' aluminium.

[MX7]

I have just been helping a friend with his Elise. They use an aluminium washer and a nutsert with a steel bolt. We gave it a spray with Copperease before putting back together.

[WhoseGeneration]

rswift said:

Not sure if this is the correct forum but;

This is an issue that is just become to surface concerning fitting of metal fastenings .. nuts & bolts .. to an aluminium bodied car.

Specifically, Jaguar X350 (XJ6/XJ8 2003-2009). These cars are great, when working .. but often suffer from an array of electrical gremlins, random warning lights etc. It now appears that one major culprit is the earth studs fitted to the car. They're not very good, and prone to snapping off ! Now on a steel car, it would be easy to drill a new hole and stick a nut and bolt in. Job done. Re an Aluminium car there is the issue of bimetallic corrosion, or similar. Is it simply a case of using aluminium nuts/bolts on an aluminium car .. or is there more to it. Also what is the difference between 'Anodised' aluminium.

Yup, if just for earthing and non structural low loadings applications I'd use an aluminium setscrew and nut, not anodised as this is non conductive.
Use a smear of battery terminal or silicone grease once all connected up.

[sonarbell]

Not sure that Copper and Aluminium is a good idea. (Re Copperease)

[rswift]

Thanks MX7, the nutsert, is that the same as a Rivnut, as I know them ? i.e you insert it like a rivet ?. Is this aluminium, presume it is as it is the part in contact with the car body to make the connection.

Thank you

[MDT]

sonarbell said:

Not sure that Copper and Aluminium is a good idea. (Re Copperease)

I know a guy who painted a aluminium boat with a copper based paint once. got wet feet a year or so later.

[Lefty]

MDT said:

I know a guy who painted a aluminium boat with a copper based paint once. got wet feet a year or so later.

[alfa pint]

Anodised aluminium is the oxidated layer over the top that prevents it from corroding further. And, as pointed out above, doesn't conduct.

[The Major]

MDT said:

I know a guy who painted a aluminium boat with a copper based paint once. got wet feet a year or so later.

i dont get it. whats wrong with copper and ally?

[MX7]

rswift said:

Thanks MX7, the nutsert, is that the same as a Rivnut, as I know them ? i.e you insert it like a rivet ?. Is this aluminium, presume it is as it is the part in contact with the car body to make the connection.

Thank you

I'm not entirely sure. I think it was a steel insert. I'm sure the guys on the Elise section of the forum will know, or have a look over at SELOC.

I'm not sure what the Al/Cu comments are about. There can be a reaction between two different metals, but it's not like cars are made with only one type of metal. It's amazing that these are made at all!

[DJC]

Personally Id be asking what the Alluminium alloy being used was.

But thats because its just caused me a complete ballache and shedload of cash at work