Firewall issue

[Braindead]

I'm looking to run my power wire and I found a factory grommet hole, but there's a rod running through it for my power steering. Could I still run my wire through the top of the "skirt" of the grommet (it has thin rubber surrounding the rod) or will it mess up my steering?

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[bbeljefe]

A rod for the power steering? Are you sure it's not a steel fluid line?

If it is indeed a rod, then it most likely moves in and out through that hole and I wouldn't want a power wire in the same hole with a moving steel rod. That could be quite the fire hazard.

 

[Braindead]

A rod for the power steering? Are you sure it's not a steel fluid line?
If it is indeed a rod, then it most likely moves in and out through that hole and I wouldn't want a power wire in the same hole with a moving steel rod. That could be quite the fire hazard.

I agree. I think tomorrow i'll have a buddy move the wheel and see if the rod moves. It comes down from the dash, goes through the firewall then attaches to a u-joint in the engine bay. It looks like it'd spin, but the grommet defiantly looks like it wouldn't move. If I can't run my wire through that hole, do you have any suggestions on where to look for another opening in the fire wall? I want my system to look clean, not wires going every which way

 

[Lowlacs 10+ year member]

Ebay for "firewall grommets" and a graduated(step) drill bit. I bought a bag of 20 or 50pc. 7/8" grommets for like 8bucks that fit 0ga wire, and if u cant afford a graduated bit just raid ur granpas shed till u find a bit to match ur grommet size. Surely he has any size u may need, well most grandpas do.lol This is a cheap easy solution that guarantees u never have this problem again.

 

[bbeljefe]

Oh hell, I don't know what I was thinking. Yeah, that's the steering rod and yeah it does spin. It doesn't move side to side though (much) so if the grommet is large enough to keep the wire well away from it, you're probably good. Although, I would rather buy a grommet and drill a hole dedicated to the amp wire. And in that jeep, there should be easy access to a flat surface that will accommodate it.

You can buy an assortment of grommets at Harbor Freight for a few bucks.

 

[Braindead]

Oh hell, I don't know what I was thinking. Yeah, that's the steering rod and yeah it does spin. It doesn't move side to side though (much) so if the grommet is large enough to keep the wire well away from it, you're probably good. Although, I would rather buy a grommet and drill a hole dedicated to the amp wire. And in that jeep, there should be easy access to a flat surface that will accommodate it.
You can buy an assortment of grommets at Harbor Freight for a few bucks.

My only problem is that I don't have a drill powerful enough to drill a hole. Could I keep the wire under some tension in the engine bay by hanging it up with zip ties, then secure it again in the cabin so it hugs the top of the grommet? I might try to borrow a buddies drill, the thought of my power wire getting tangled in a spinning rod makes me shudder.

 

[bbeljefe]

Where are you? You can borrow my drill if you're close enough... I don't wanna see a fellow basshead sitting on the side of the road watching a bonfire made of Jeep. ;-)

 

[Braindead]

Where are you? You can borrow my drill if you're close enough... I don't wanna see a fellow basshead sitting on the side of the road watching a bonfire made of Jeep. ;-)

All the way in SC lol. A friend is helping me build my box tuesday, I could probably try and drill a hole then. What kind of bit would i want to use?

 

[bbeljefe]

All the way in SC lol. A friend is helping me build my box tuesday, I could probably try and drill a hole then. What kind of bit would i want to use?

Just a standard steel cutting bit the correct size for the grommet that's the correct size for the wire.

 

[Lowlacs 10+ year member]

3pc Step Drill Bit Set Unibit Titanium HSS M2 28 Sizes Industrial Reamer 1 8 3 4 | eBay

20 3 4" 1 0 GA Black Power Wire Firewall Snap Grommet Nylon | eBay

 

[Braindead]

3pc Step Drill Bit Set Unibit Titanium HSS M2 28 Sizes Industrial Reamer 1 8 3 4 | eBay
20 3 4" 1 0 GA Black Power Wire Firewall Snap Grommet Nylon | eBay

Are the grommets worth it that tighten around the wire?

 

[Lowlacs 10+ year member]

Yes they serve the purpose of keepin the wire away from the bare metal edge. Ofcourse ur grommet size will depend on ur wire sze as u want a semi tight fit to keep out water and/or wind. The ones I linked are the exact grommets I use with my sky high 0ga and its a perfect fit. I also like the snap fit into place.

 

[Braindead]

Yes they serve the purpose of keepin the wire away from the bare metal edge. Ofcourse ur grommet size will depend on ur wire sze as u want a semi tight fit to keep out water and/or wind. The ones I linked are the exact grommets I use with my sky high 0ga and its a perfect fit. I also like the snap fit into place.

I meant the ones that are basically a hollow bolt with a nut and washer on the inside of the car. are they worth twice the price?

 

[Lowlacs 10+ year member]

Yes those are more secure but the snap in ones seem to stay put for me just fine.

 

[Braindead]

Yes those are more secure but the snap in ones seem to stay put for me just fine.

Just bought one of the expensive ones off sonic, do you think it'd be smart to ask the auto mechanics teacher to drill a hole for me when he changes the oil?