EF_GSR

Guys, I'm in the process of removing my alternator so that I can have it checked (car won't start) and I've run into a problem ... it seems that I can't get the alternator out of its' bracket. The bottom "pivot" bolt (the one with the square head) seems to be stuck. I removed the nut on the one end, but I am unable to get that bolt out no matter how hard I try.

Does anyone have any tips that may be able to help me with the removal of the alternator? BTW, the car is an '88 DX Hatch. Thanks

Cynikal.Mindset

tap it loose with a hammer or a ratchet...grab onto the squared off end and pull out, might require you to jiggle the alternator while ur removing the bolt

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

I've done one of those before, they're a tough gig. Like Cynikal said, the hammer is a friend.

Finally, I think you'll find possibly that once removed from it's bracket, the alternator can't come out LOL.... the master cyl and lines are in the way and so is the CV joint and the subframe. Best way to get it out w/o making more work for yourself is to pass it under the intake manifold to the other side and remove it on the pass side of the car. At least thats what I had to do.

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

i found it to be easier if you just remove the drivers side axle....its really only 4 bolts....14mm, 2x17mm and a 32mm axle nut

EF_GSR

Well, I've been hammering/jiggling/grabbing/pulling/pushing/swearing at this thing for a while now and I think I'm ready to give up and just take it to a shop to remove. The end of that bottom bolt started to flatten out from hammering, so I stopped that ASAP and no amount of WD-40 would loosen the thing up.

On a side note, I'm going to pick up a remanufactured alternator from Crappy Tire ... it's a Bosch model that costs $189 (plus taxes and core charge) with a 3-year warranty. My local Honda stealership is charging $245 (plus taxes and core charge) for the exact same alternator with only a 1-year warranty!

I've had good experiences with the Bosch alternators from Crappy Tire in all of my other cars, so I'm hoping this one is no different. Any comments/suggestions?

Thanks for the help!

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

I've also had good luck with the bosch alternators.... put one on my Saturn about two years ago.

sohcnotec

Once you get it out of the bracket, place the alt to the side and remove the bracket. Two 14mm bolts. That gives you the room you need to get it out and back in from the left wheel area. After you've remove the plastic splash guard of course.

EF_GSR

Well, I finally gave in and took it to an "alternator" shop that also does installs ... charged me $50. Everything seems to be alright now.

sohcnotec's advice on removing that lower bracket is dead-on ... saw the guy do it and it seemed to make the whole re-re MUCH easier. Using this method means there is no need to remove the axle or master cylinder.

[rant]It pisses me off that mose auto manufacturers feel that a voltmeter is a luxury rather than a necessity ... if we all had one, you could at least be able to tell something's wrong with the charging system![/rant]

Now time to find a voltmeter

imported_Thrill_House

The real Bosch alts are good units, not the crap they sell at CT, I found out after burning up 3 of those alt's in a year that a company in Taiwan or some **** builds them then pays Bosch a nominal fee to put there name on the box.