Hey guys, since I have had to change my alternator 3 times already and with no DIY I thought I'd make my first one.
I am not going to get really specific with material as all you will need is your new alternator and a typical socket/wrench set.
If I were to rate the difficulty of this it would be a 5/10 just mainly because it is a pain in the ass. First timers this can take you a couple hours. I manage to do it in 30 mins now since this was my third time.
First thing to do is to remove the front bumper. I am sure most of you know how to do this. Al you have to do is take all the over prices plastic clips off the top and bottom (if you have any left :laughing: I know I don't.) The buttom of the bumper with have 2 screws on each side of the bumper. Then there is 1 screw on the side of the bumper where it meets the fender on each side.
Then you're going to want to remove your passenger headlight which has 4 10mm bolts to remove. Two on the top, 1 of the side, and 1 under neath which you will need a really long extension for.
Top:
Bottom:
Side:
Then unplug all your light harnesses and remove the light.
Next you will want to loosen the power steering reservoir which is connected to one 10mm bolt.
Next you will want to disconnect the positive terminal on your battery since you will be disconnecting the alternator wire that goes to it. Don't skip this step as I guarantee you will get shocked.
If you want to be extra safe you can use a towel or glove to cover the terminal:
Ok now it is time to get the serpentine belt off which is a PITA if you don't have a long wrench, I had a short one so it took a couple try's. This step is much easier if you have a helper.
First you get a 14mm wrench and place it on the auto tensioner like so:
You're gonna push down as much as you can to get the belt loose enough to slip off the power steering pully and alternator to free the alternator. Do not take the whole belt off as you will not enjoying putting it all back together for no reason.
Time for the alternator, the alternator has 3 bolts, 1 longer one on the top and 2 shorter ones on the bottom.
The 1 bottom bolt to the left is a PITA to get to but don't worry you can do it with some patience. If you need more room just loosen these two 10mm bolts on the passenger and driver side that hold the rad, it doesn't give much but its something.
After you remove the 3 alternator bolts it is time to remove the ground that goes from the alternator to the chasis. Then disconnect the positive terminal attached to the alternator, I believe it is either a 10 or 8mm nut. (my wires looks different because I upgraded the wiring.). Lastly you will need to unplug a green socket that plugs into your alternator regulator.
Now it is time to slide, wiggle n play with that alternator to get it out where the headlight is. The only way I figured to get it out is the have the pulley facing into side giving it just enough space to get it out. Just be patient at this part, it will fit.
I am not going to get really specific with material as all you will need is your new alternator and a typical socket/wrench set.
If I were to rate the difficulty of this it would be a 5/10 just mainly because it is a pain in the ass. First timers this can take you a couple hours. I manage to do it in 30 mins now since this was my third time.
First thing to do is to remove the front bumper. I am sure most of you know how to do this. Al you have to do is take all the over prices plastic clips off the top and bottom (if you have any left :laughing: I know I don't.) The buttom of the bumper with have 2 screws on each side of the bumper. Then there is 1 screw on the side of the bumper where it meets the fender on each side.
Then you're going to want to remove your passenger headlight which has 4 10mm bolts to remove. Two on the top, 1 of the side, and 1 under neath which you will need a really long extension for.
Top:
Bottom:
Side:
Then unplug all your light harnesses and remove the light.
Next you will want to loosen the power steering reservoir which is connected to one 10mm bolt.
Next you will want to disconnect the positive terminal on your battery since you will be disconnecting the alternator wire that goes to it. Don't skip this step as I guarantee you will get shocked.
If you want to be extra safe you can use a towel or glove to cover the terminal:
Ok now it is time to get the serpentine belt off which is a PITA if you don't have a long wrench, I had a short one so it took a couple try's. This step is much easier if you have a helper.
First you get a 14mm wrench and place it on the auto tensioner like so:
You're gonna push down as much as you can to get the belt loose enough to slip off the power steering pully and alternator to free the alternator. Do not take the whole belt off as you will not enjoying putting it all back together for no reason.
Time for the alternator, the alternator has 3 bolts, 1 longer one on the top and 2 shorter ones on the bottom.
The 1 bottom bolt to the left is a PITA to get to but don't worry you can do it with some patience. If you need more room just loosen these two 10mm bolts on the passenger and driver side that hold the rad, it doesn't give much but its something.
After you remove the 3 alternator bolts it is time to remove the ground that goes from the alternator to the chasis. Then disconnect the positive terminal attached to the alternator, I believe it is either a 10 or 8mm nut. (my wires looks different because I upgraded the wiring.). Lastly you will need to unplug a green socket that plugs into your alternator regulator.
Now it is time to slide, wiggle n play with that alternator to get it out where the headlight is. The only way I figured to get it out is the have the pulley facing into side giving it just enough space to get it out. Just be patient at this part, it will fit.