Legender

Plus one on changing out the hose with the right hose... you would think fuel line would work? Trust me... it won't. Get the right part for sure.
I also found that removing the brackets for the transmission cooler lines, allowing me that extra flexibility worked wonder also. Don't disconnect the lines, just the 10mm brackets to give you a little more room.

KC98LS

Oddly my hose survived just fine! I cannot for the life of me get the main alternator connector undone though!. I'm also struggling to get the power steering pump bolts out, and the power steering pulley off.

Any tips?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Lots of wd 40 or something similar and a rubber mallet to keep tapping the pulley or rent a pulley puller from auto zone.

bradland

The electrical pigtail on the alternator can be quite a pain. If you have to destroy it to get it out it is replaceable.
-(part number in photo may not be correct for your car just an example)

The PS pulley doesn't require a puller it should wiggle off with little effort.
-you can slide an extension through the pulley to hold it in place while you loosen the bolt.

The mounting bolts should all be straight forward as well assuming you have proper tools to generate enough leverage and torque.

YODAONE

This is correct alternator connector shell for 1998 LS400.

Any alternator replacement should include replacing this component as they tend to become brittle and break...

Avoid using aftermarket hack job pigtails

The connector contacts and wiring are very durable
.....learm how to depress contact lances to allow extraction from shell

KC98LS

I've tried depressing the top and sides using pliers and a Flathead. It won't budge, just spent over half an hour on it. Was able to get everything else removed though!


Any tips to get this thing undone? Thanks!

Edit: I also undid the high pressure line banjo bolt from PS pump. No copper crush washers were present. Is this normal?

spuds

Does this picture help any?
https://www.bmotorsports.com/shop/pr...oducts_id/1705

KC98LS

Not really, I've tried both sides and top, and it won't budge.

spuds

look at 1:42 on this video,you can see the little nub the connector is held on by on the alternator..

KC98LS

Thanks, I have the new alternator. For whatever reason I'm unable to remove the connector from the old one. It's like it has been superglued in place.

spuds

You might push the connector further down on the plug,then squeeze the top,then pull/pry it out. If that doesnt work,Im lost.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I've had this happen with certain connectors and almost had to destroy the connector by separating the male/female with a small jewelers screw driver. I had to put lots of pressure on the locking tab.

YODAONE

First, order another connector shell from Lexus.

The locking tab in the illustration needs to be compressed to release harness side connector from alternator.

If that doesn't work, then grab the locking tab with needle nose pliers and it should snap off the shell.

Once removed then use pliers on harnes side shelll and wiggle back and forth...

The main thing is to not disrupt the integrity of wiring.