csquare

Greetings to all!
Recently, I was traveling back from vacation and noticed that the battery light came in while driving. I was not able to make it home before the car lost all power. Fortunately, I was able to get a replacement battery to get me home so I could do some testing. I, as well as Napa, have verified that my alternator is bad.
I have scoured the threads looking for info on how to replace this as I am willing to do so (at a much cheaper price) as compared to my dealer or local shop. What I am lacking is direction! I have replaced alternators on other vehicles before, but the motor on my RX350 has my stumped. I cannot find the alternator anywhere!
Are there any step by step instructions or pictures that are available to help me effect this repair?

Thanks in advance for any and all help!
Chris

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

are you sure it's alternator?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...ator-fuse.html

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

If you do believe it is alternator, it runs off of a belt so you can start there. I would drive up onto some rhino ramps and look underneath.

it appears to be on driver's side underneath head, next to manifold:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/used-r...eb10476667.htm

it appears to be held on by two bolts which will need to be removed once tension is released from belt.

tomit

I think it's a Denso unit and most Denso alternators have a replaceable brush and are relatively bullet proof otherwise.

Tom

csquare

Thank you for the suggestions!

I will look at the fuse first to see if that might be the case. If not, I will take a look underside to see what I can find. I assume, based on the position in the picture that it might be easier to take the drivers side tire off and the guard to get a better view!

HtownBlue

I think the alternator is on the passenger side front of the engine near the radiator. It is kind of hidden below the timing and cam pulley covers. Follow your belts around. Look for the alternator towards the upper / top of the engine above the A/C compressor.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

I forgot the engine is transversely mounted so i think youre right

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/h...g/DSC06042.jpg

csquare

You are right. It is in the passenger side near the top just behind the radiator. Difficult to get in at best. Any suggestions?

HtownBlue

If I recall correctly, I had to remove the radiator to get it out. Not a terrible job, just tedious because you have so many bolts to remove from the air scoop, top black plastic covering above radiator, and the radiator hoses etc. etc. Once I got the radiator out, I was able to remove the alternator and slide it out. Be careful not to hot the condenser for the a/c. use a towel as a "shield" so to speak.

bwsteg

Just out of curiosity, are there two different types of alternators available? On my order sheet it says upgraded alternator, radiator, etc...

ShermanRob

I believe there two.... One for tow prep package which has a beefier alternator and radiator, and the standard version. Check your paperwork to see if you have the tow prep installed and order the correct alternator model.

HtownBlue

Sherman is correct. Make sure and get the appropriate model.