My alternator packed up - I removed it and discovered the lower bolt was missing - not sure if this had anything to do with it packing up. I received a new high output alternator about three weeks ago, and this week the bolt finally arrived - my car has been standing since February.

Does anyone have a guide on how to get the alternator back in? I've checked the shop manual, and it looks easy enough, except I can hardly get my hands in the space available - and reattaching the the wires is proving difficult.

Any tips appreciated, I have the K&N FIPK which I've removed to make working a bit easier.

 

got a wife/gf? or a kid? id just ask some one with smaller hands to help... you may try a retractable gripper or something, but those are clumsy and hard to work with

 

I'll see if my girlfriend fiancé can help ... don't think she likes getting her hands dirty

EDIT: I've been corrected by my other half.

 

lmao, i know how that is, my girlfriend lives with me. She is pretty useful under a car tho, she helped me get my o2 sensor off the header because i couldn't fit in there... shes like 5 10 100pounds of nothing... veryyyyy useful in small engine compartments. i have also seen people rig crap up with duct tape to hold it in place for them, ie: my friend couldnt get his alternator on his teg held in place alone, so he duct taped it in place then put in the bolts

 

it is very easy to do, I did it a month ago. Remove entire intake system, remove the tension on the belt tensioner, remove the belt, remove bolts from altenernator, remove clip on rear of alternator ( I think it is green), and undo nut on the rear power wire (under the rubber boot) of the alternator. Make sure you unplug the battery first or you will generate sparks as you try to ratchet the power wire nut and you hit body ground. Reinstall in reverse, torque down the alternator bolts (2), install accesory belt., reattach battery and test if it fires up and runs.

It is very easy to acces everything once you remove the intake system and I have large clumsy hands. , hit me up if you need the torque specs on the two alternator bolts I have to check that when I get home.

 

Thanks - that's basically my plan - is it necessary to use a torque wrench though? I don't have one....

(I do have the shop manual which have the torque specs)

 

Well, snug it down tight so it doesn't come loose (2 bolts) but don't go nuts such that it strips.

 

Think that's what I might do - and then check it each couple of days to make sure it hasn't come loose.

 

So any downsides to the new higher output alternator?

 

From my side its been running fine - although I've only done about 200km - miserable weather at the moment (rain).