DIY : Alternator replacement / Installation!

[d1giPhux]

So, I decided to wash my engine bay out.. and well.. the alternator had enough of my antics and decided to fry itself. So, I had to buy a new one and replace it. Pretty easy, but thought I would do a write up at the same time. New (to me) alternator cost me $40 at the salvage yard.

1. Start by removing or disconnecting your battery.



2. Remove the (3) 10mm bolts holding the belt covers in place. Remove the covers.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step2-1.png
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step3-1.png

3. Disconnect terminal wire at top of alternator. This is a 10mm Nut.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step4-1.png

4a. Remove 2 bolts holding alternator in place. This is only if you are missing the alternator adjustment assembly / bolt like I was when i first made this post. These are both 12mm Bolts. I suggest using PB Blaster to help loosen them a bit.. as they may be stuck with rust.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step5-1.png

4b. Now, if you have the alternator adjustment assembly / bolt then you need to remove the top bolt first from the assembly (#1 in pic), then remove bolt #2 as seen in the picture below.

You will still need to remove the right side bolt as well that holds the alternator in place, as seen in section 4a.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step5v2-1.png

5. Remove Belt from alternator. This belt also wraps around 2 other pulleys as well. Be sure to remove it completely from all 3 pulleys.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step6-1.png

6. Pull alternator free, and remove the remaining wiring clip. By removing the clip at this stage, it allows you more access to the clip, and makes it easier to remove without mangling the clip itself.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step7-1.png

7. Install the new alternator, and make sure to line up the bolt holes correctly. Hand tighten bolts into place, as you will still want to be able to move the alternator up and down.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step8-1.png

8. Re-Install belt over all 3 pulleys. Make sure the grooves line up.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step9-1.png

9. Push upwards on the alternator body so that the belt will become tight on all 3 pulleys. You will notice that the left side bolt is moving up and down in the groove. When the left side pulley bolt is at its maximum height within its groove.. tighten it down so that the belt will be secure in place. There should be a LITTLE play.. but not too much, as this will cause belt squeal and will wear the belt out prematurely.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step10-1.png

10. You can now tighten down the right side bolt holding the alternator in place. Make sure that when you place the belt cover bracket back on the right side alternator bolt, that its sitting flat, and not rubbing against the belt in any manner.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/step11-1.png

11. Reinstall Both belt covers, and secure all 3 bolts.

Congratulations! You have now just removed your old junk alternator, and installed a new one! Dont forget the last step.. have a couple of beers! :lol:

[decke48]

good write up
note:
your alternator is missing the adjustment assembly :lol: for you that have it, basic loosen the the left bolt for the alternator loosen the adjuster until you can get the belt off remove the left bolt and continue. for you that have the belt cover still spot welded to the bracket loosen the right bolt on the alternator to get it free
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/IMGA0262-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/IMGA0261-1.jpg

[d1giPhux]

^ yeah, i noticed something was a bit off.. i remember on my other LGT it was a bit different. Thats weird.. i wonder why I'm missing it.. guess when i got my engine rebuilt.. they forgot a little something something!? :lol:

Hmm.. maybe you should take a pic of what your talking about, and add it to your post later! Thanks!

[d1giPhux]

Thanks for posting the pic! Weird. I wonder why the hell mine is missing!?! thats screwed up!? I guess you dont really need them then.. hmm. I wonder how much a new one would run me.

[shazapple]

I broke the bolt for the belt tightener and I think it was only a couple bucks to replace it. Theres only a small chunk of metal which the two bolts go through. I can't imagine it is too expensive.

[d1giPhux]

Hmm.. does anyone know the 'official' name, or maybe a part number? i think I'm going to try to get a hold of one. I knw something was missing.. i kept saying to myself.. 'hmm, did i miss something.. i swear, something must go in this hole at the top.' Now it makes sense however.. because when iw as working on it i also thought to myself that on my other LGT I was able to just turn a bolt and the alternator pushed itself up.. rather than me having to push it up by hand. Kinda sucks my tutorial is off a bit.. but when i get the part.. i will try to fix it! =]

[Reason]

Nice write up, but those covers are not the timing belt covers rather than the accessory belt covers, but I'm sure you know that.

[d1giPhux]

Haha oops. musta been a bit brain fried when i was thinking too hard about stuff.. i'll make sure to change that. Thanks for noticing! :D

[decke48]

it $9
34435AA070 & 34436AA001
its listed a adjustment bolt for powersteering bracket

[d1giPhux]

Updated the tutorial with some new pics including the alternator adjustment assembly / bolt. Figured i should get one since i was missing mine! :lol:

[Navig8r]

My tensioner is missing.... has been since I got the car... dont miss it or plan on replcaing it either.

Good DIY!

[d1giPhux]

Thanks man! Yeah, mine was missing as well.. and i didn't really NEED to replace it.. but, for $6.. i figured why not!