[4th gen} Alternator Replacement Question

[OwnerCS]

Tonight I started to replace the I30's alternator. I quickly realized that I may need to drop the A/C compressor to reach the bolt behind the alternator.

When changing the alternator, do you typically remove or drop the following items?

1) Remove the lower radiator hose?

2) Drop the A/C compressor?

3) Discharge the A/C system to remove a line so the compressor can be dropped far enough to reach the bolt behind the alternator?

Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

[A33 Cefiro]

I have done this on my A33. IIRC both engines are the same, so what I did was remove the lower radiator hose. I did not touch anything A/C related. It's easier to remove the hose and the whole radiator if you have to.

Good luck with it.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

You shouldnt have to discharge your AC -just loosen up the mounting bolt
This is what the FSM says

[loystock]

It's been a while since I replaced the alternator in the 99 I30 but I don't recall touching anything AC-related...just the idler pulley and radiator hose.

[OwnerCS]

All went well with the replacement job. I finished it up late Friday night. I replaced the idler pulley tensioner assembly and the belt.. The old idler tensioner had broken so it had to be replaced. I replaced the idler pulley as preventative maintenance.

I took a slightly different approach for replacement. I was able to replace the alternator without removing the radiator hose or disturbing the cooling system.

I removed the A/C compressor bolts and lowered the compressor enough to reach the inner alternator mounting bolt.

Really it wasn't a bad job..