How to remove a Car Alternator
The alternator is bolted to the side of the engine and is driven by the drive belt. Most alternators are quite easy to remove but on some transverse engines it is fitted at the back clos to
the bulkhead where It is tricky to reach.
Before attemptinq to remove the alternator first undo the battery earth strap. Then locate the electrical connector which is usually a plastic multi- connector plug that pushes into the rear casing of the alternator (fig 1). The connector should pull straight out but it is oftentiqht and will need a firm tug. Some connectors are also held by a metal spring clip - so look closely before using too much force and if one is fitted lever it to one side with a small screw- driver and then carefully pull out the plug.
1. Pull out the alternator mutiplug
Some alternators have bolt-on connections (fig 2) - before you remove them make a note of their positions and then undo the bolts and pull the connections out of the way.
The alternator will be held by two or three bolts, depending on the type. Sometimes the alternator pivots on one or two bolts from the bottom, whereas others pivot from the top. In all cases there is a slotted bar which allows for adjustment of the generator drive belt and this needs to be undone together with the pivot bolts.
2. alternator electrical stud terminals remove
Loosen the bolts but do not take them out just yet. Push the alternator in towards the engine and lift the belt out of the groove in the pulley. Then,supporting the alternator with one hand, take out the fixing bolts one at a time, making a note of any washers or spacers which are fitted. With all the bolts removed, lift the alternator out of the car. To avoid losing the fixing bolts put them back in to their holes on the fixing brackets.
Before you do any work on the unit clean off any road dirt with a meths soaked rag..
To Re-Fit The Alternator
Support the alternator and fit all the mounting bolts and the adjuster bar finger tight. Some alternators have an adjust-able spacer tube in the rear mounting bracket
which must be tapped to the correct position before you tighten up the bolts. If you, do not do this you can snap the mounting bracket as you tighten up the fixing bolts.
Once you have checked the drive belt is not frayed or damaged, fit it round the pulleys and adjust the alternator until you can feel roughly 1/2 in. play in
the belt.Finally, refit all the electrical connections to the alternator making sure that they are clean and tight then refit the battery leads.
