2001 Pathy. Changing out my alternator. Can't get the top mounting bolt into the "nut stopper" on the new alternator

[losangeles]

It's the nut stopper on the top rear of the alternator. Seems like it takes a surgeon's touch to even get it in place. The you have to lift the alternator and turn the bolt with your other hand. Anyone been there, done that?

[losangeles]

Disregard. I had to unscrew the mounting bracket that I had previously screwed in which was blocking the nut stopper. Easy as pie after that. Now i get to try to screw the mounting bracket back on

[rgk]

I DID just have to do this a few weeks ago, what a major PITA. I wasn't changing out my alternator, just removing it and then replacing it, so I was wondering whether an aftermarket alternator just comes with a nut welded to it. The repair manual was no help. I ended up using a telescoping magnet to place the nut on the bolt, then turned the bolt with a wrench while I squirmed my hand behind the alternator and held the stopper. I even cross-threaded the bolt on my first try, had to take it and the nut out, and clean the nut out. Awful stuff.