How to Take an Alternator Apart

The alternator is one of three parts that makes up the electrical system in your car. When you look at an alternator, it looks like it might be difficult to take apart. In actuality, you can disassemble the alternator quickly. Once you have the alternator pieces separated, you can make repairs or restore the piece.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Wrench
• Screwdriver

1. Disconnect the negative battery. The negative cable terminal is black. You can also disconnect the positive cable terminal. Just be sure you disconnect the negative battery first. The alternator carries a charge and you don't want to create a spark with your tools.
2. Detach the alternator from the engine. The alternator should have 2 bolts that connect it to the car's engine. The tension bolt holds the tension on the belt. The pivot bolt secures the alternator. Loosen and remove the tension bolt before the pivot bolt. Disconnect the electrical connections and remove the alternator.
3. Remove the fan and the front pulley. Sometimes the nut that holds these in place requires an impact gun to loosen it. If you don't have an impact gun, you can take the alternator to repair shop and use theirs. Remove the nut and pull the fan and front pulley away from the mount.
4. Take out the 4 bolts that hold the case together. These are located on the outside of the case and should be fairly long. Once you remove the bolts, you should be able to separate the two halves of the case.
5. Pull out the internal parts. The internal parts consist of the stator ring, rotor, brushes and bearings. Make sure the parts aren't held in place before removing them. Depending on the reason you've taken your alternator apart, you may be able to skip this step.