I just had to replace my alternator this last week. I just wanted to let everyone know it was a very easy job that only took about an hour.alexf20c wrote:get your alternator tested for free at AutoZone or Pep Boys, etc. before replacing it. the dealership may have just been telling you that so you have the work done there.
if the alternator is bad, then it's easiest to replace it from the bottom.
from the top, you can loosen the belt tensioner pulley (14mm), then the belt tensioner itself (12mm) and remove the belt.
the mount bolts are 14mm. the top is a bolt that threads into the mount; the bottom is a long thru-bolt that has a captured nut on the backside of the alternator. the bottom one is most easily accessed from below the vehicle, and with a breaker bar (it's gonna be pretty tight).
once the alternator is loose, pry it from the bracket, then you can remove the wiring harness (clip), the ground wire (10mm), and the heavy-gauge power wire (10mm). you should be able to squeeze the alternator out from the bottom, between the radiator hose and the power steering lines. take care when working around the power steering, because the pressure sensor and harness will get in the way. you don't want to break it.
installation is reverse.
Had to replace mine last fall.marinoni wrote: I need to replace my alternator, what the best way and what should be removed to make life easy (ish!). Looks like its best to come out the top, almost looks impossible below. Appreciate any info, thanks.
Hahaha, I think it's the thread merging that the moderator has done.4xq wrote:This thread says it has had 11,000 views. Is there a picture of a naked woman in here somewhere I missed?
Are you able to actually pull the alternator out? I did this from underneath and I figured I'd just move the unit way out of its location first to work on the wires so I don't damage anything. I can't recall at the moment, but there might be one of those clamp like plastic clips securing the wiring harness to a bracket.mpsheaburger wrote:Replacing alternator in a 2004 nissan pathfinder. Does any one know how to unhook the ground wire harness. Alternator bolts are all removed and I cant reach the bolt to unhooked the ground from the back of the alternator. Way too tight and no slack.