Easier way to do alternator lower bolt 97-01

[paranoidjack]

This was my 2000AE

For those who have replaced your alternator, you know what I'm talking about. That god damned 37" lower pivot bolt that passes from the front rearwards into that godforsaken butterly nut bracket.

It is enough to drive you crazy, different methods work. I've done it 4x now, and I think I've got the easiest way. I always used to use RTV to gingerly keep it tacked in place, then gently support the back of it while threading the bolt. At 245k there's enough dirt in all crevasses that turning that bolt easily and simultaneously has proven near impossible. With my mammoth hands I can't reach behind it. Not to mention one slight move of the alternator and the rtv nut falls into the motor cavity, requiring removing the alternator to get back again. Cycle repeats and curses fly.

However....

This evil bolt passes through a bracket on which the alternator mounts. It is held on by 2 bolts and passes underneath it. I removed these, along with the alternator belt tensioner assy and bracket (only 3-5 mins), and then was able to slide the bracket far enough that I could easily install the bolt and then slide it all back together. No days missed on the guitar this time with bruised hands.

For what it's worth...

[Q451990]

Thanks for posting up a good tip that I'm sure will make sense to someone in the middle of the job!

Heath

[Skibane]

I always used to use RTV to gingerly keep it tacked in place, then gently support the back of it while threading the bolt.

I used a glue gun - The hot melt glue sets in just a couple of minutes.

[paranoidjack]

That's a good idea too. However with some dirty bolts etc might still prove troublesome, maybe just replace them next time!

Here's a photo of the motor with alternator removed. You can see the triangular bracket, you can just slide it towards the radiator, easily mount alternator, slide back, and then reattach tensioner brocket and tensioner.

[Q451990]

Oh... that just looks dreamy compared to a G50 alternator!

Heath

[Wiggler]

I cleaned everything and used a thick wad of electrical tape to hold the nut.... worked first time... I think you suggested it to me PJ....