how to replace alternator?

[nnkfws333]

My car wont start and Im sure its my alternator but how do I get the belt off? I mean like what tool? Im stuck at school and am probably gonna do it in the parking garage =( any help would be greatly apreciated. Thanks.

[encasemyheart]

*sigh* another belt question.

The alternator is easy. First you have to pull the P/S belt which is in front of the alt. belt. There are a couple bolts and a tensioner, I think 1 or 2 holding the pump in place. Remove it (them) and then loosen the tensioner bolt. It is just a long bolt behind the pulley itself that makes tension on the pump to keep the belt tight. Wiggle the pump down far enough until you can get the belt off.

Now the alternator belt. There is an alt. mounting bolt on the bottom, remove it. It is very long and may be tricky, but it pulls out, so don't be like me and turn and turn, just loosen it a bit and yank it out. There also will be a clip that it screwed into in the back of the alternator. Once removed it will fall, don't lose it. It is pretty small. Now loosen the alternator tensioner (looks similar to the P/S tensioner) and the alternator should come out. there are a couple things to unplug on the alt. itself, but this is basically how you do it. The rest is just plug and play. Install is reverse of removal.

[encasemyheart]

Also, you don't need a specific tool to my knowledge. Just a few sockets.

And if the car won't start because of the alternator, your battery is probably dead, which means even after a new alt. is installed, the battery will still be dead. Get it jump started or take the battery to Autozone to get it charged there.

[nnkfws333]

Thanks encasemyheart.

[encasemyheart]

No problem, that's what we're here for.

[nnkfws333]

Hey you know? Man I went around all day looking for an alternator but no luck. So I just ok I will just get my car jump started and then go home and order one right? Funny thing was you know how you got a dead battery and you jump it and the car cranks and stuff then turns on...well my car just turned on. Strange...so I drive it to autozone and get a free test and he said my battery/alternator/starter are Good! Im like wtf! So now I just got home and the car ran perfectly normal. I have no clue why my car did this. *sigh* I guess old age is kicking in at 192,000 miles

[Hellion240sx]

do you have to get under the car??/

[nnkfws333]

I found it easier to get under the car.

[midnightclubbaa]

what happens if you don't disconnect the battery before changing alternators