How to Remove a Vehicle's Alternator

The base of any vehicle's charging system is its alternator. Alternator failure is common on many cars regardless of their age. Removing an alternator is the first step in replacing one; it is good to know how to remove this piece of electrical automotive equipment from your car's engine for access to parts of many modern vehicles motors. Here are a few simple steps that can teach you the basics of removing almost any vehicle's alternator.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by detaching the negative battery cable from its terminal. This will prevent accidental or negligent electrocution.

2. Trace the positive battery cable from the battery post to its terminus on the alternator.

3. Decide if any engine components such as the air handler water hoses will get in your way. Remove the pieces that will obstruct the removal of the alternator.

4. Detach the positive battery cable from the alternator by removing the retaining nut from the back of the charging unit.

5. Loosen and remove the alternator's tension bolt. It is the one that screws into a bracket it can slide in when it is loosened.

6. Take the alternator belt off, once the piece can turn on its mounting bolt. With the belt clear of its pulley go ahead and remove the tension bolt.

7. Unscrew the alternator's bottom, mounting bolt and carefully lift the part clear of the engine compartment.

Tips & Warnings

• The tension bolt is usually on the top of most modern alternators.
• Protective gloves can help prevent the cuts and "busted knuckles" often associated with auto mechanic work.

Resources

• A streaming video lesson in alternator removal
• An online parts store with some great DIY articles

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