Dead battery

[badcamelot]

Hey guys I need some help finding a ghost - the electrical kind. I have two alternators and two batteries and both have checked fine. So I doubt it's either of those. The problem started - i think - with the cables from the battery down to the bendix on the starter. The nut holding them tight was was not, the thread was stripped. Hence a the cables were intermittently connecting. This could lead to power being drawn from the battery or alternator not getting what it needed - right? So that was fixed. The cables are now tight. Then a couple of days later, driving to work in the early hours i turned on the headlights and subconciously noticed the interior lights were dim and then wondered why the road didnt seem to be illuminated quite right. Leaving work I came out to find the battery dead again. Then I remembered the dim lights and put two and two together.
My question though is what is causing the draw on the battery when the car is off? I have removed the hood and trunk illumination bulbs to rule out that. I have heard the keyless remote unit (in the trunk) clicking when I try to start the car with the battery dead. Could it be that unit itself? Or could it be a relay somewhere? I have charged the battery again and now have unplugged the keyless remote unit. Tomorrow I will go out and start the car and see if it is dead. The other problem is that this must be intermittent, because, in the past, after charging the battery the car hasn't shown any problems for a few days.
Sorry I went on and on, but I wanted to let you know what i have already tried/checked first.
Any help? Anyone experienced this before?

 

[jmpSHO]

Try a new alternator. I had one that kept on checking out fine but after the car was running for about 15-20 mins the volts would drop. Replaced it and all is good now.

 

[kikkinasphalt]

CCRM or maybe the fuse link from ALT to battery?

 

[SHOZ123]

Did you get new cables?

 

[badcamelot]

I was hoping to avoid the expense of new cables. I didnt detect any corrosion, so I gathered they werent the issue. If they are bad though will that cause the battery to drain?

 

[badcamelot]

I will check those too.
Thanks

 

[badcamelot]

might have to break down and buy a new alternator. Strange that both would produce the same result. After the car is charged (usually) it lasts for a couple of days before displaying any weakness in charge. With a/c and audio working away I would think that an alternator giving out 15-20 mins the batt wouldn't last long. But you might be right. I asked for help and appreciate everyones suggestions.