dchan865

Hi, did not find a sticky for this so I thought I ask this hopefully a quick question on alternator removal. Car has 238k on it and will be replacing it for the first time. I hear that the old one sometimes get stuck and hard to remove. Is it ok to use crow/pry bar to "unstuck" it? Anything I need to be careful about? Lastly how long to remove and install if things go smooth?
Thanks.

salimshah

Never heard of the need to use a pry bar to remove the alternator. Remember to disconnect the battery. Loosen the nuts and bolts and then reduce the tension by twisting the tensioner long bolt. Access to he tensioner is bit awkward and some have reported a trick by using a long extension and use the gap in the radiator side to reach. Tensioner bolt has a tendency to break [just make sure the lock is loose]. After the tension is relieved give a yank on the belt to nudge the alternator.

When it comes to repairs, I am **** about specs. Belt tension gauge is in my arsenal so I do my work per spec. There is substantial difference in the new belt tension and once it has been in use for 10minutes. I dont have the tension numbers handy, but I did post them. Please use the search function.

I would set aside 1.5hr to replace the alternator. Can be done in 45 minutes if you have done this in the past and the tensioner does not break on you.

Salim

Audiqv8

dchan865

Yeah, I read people reported that after they take out that long screw, they had a hard time wiggle the alternator out. I don't know may be they did not have patience and use the bar to pry it out.
I replaced an alternator couple decades on a toyota car. It wasn't that hard back then because there was a lot of space in engine compartment to do things.
Thanks for the info and video guys, this looks like a job I can do.