How to Install Alternator Bolts in Your car

The alternator in your vehicle is made to convert gas power into electricity. The converted electricity is then stored in your car's battery. If your alternator bolts break or are showing signs of wear, it's time to replace them. Broken and damaged bolts can ruin an alternator, causing serious damage to your vehicle's engine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the alternator for any damage when replacing the bolts. Place your new, repaired or cleaned alternator into your engine.

2. Insert one bolt and tighten it slightly. Leave the bolt fairly loose so you're able to line up the alternator to install the second bolt.

3. Put in the second bolt. You may have to wiggle the alternator to align the bolt with the hole. At this point, the alternator is still loose and easy to adjust.

4. Tighten both bolts by hand. If you have trouble with this, you can use just the socket without the wrench attached to tighten them. You only want the alternator bolts hand tight at this point.

5. Turn the bolts with a socket wrench. Once fairly tight, go just a quarter to a half turn tighter. Alternator bolts don't need to be as tight as they can go. They normally require just 15- to 20 foot-pounds.

Tips & Warnings

• When replacing the alternator bolts, choose you new ones carefully. If the bolts are poor quality or are made of an extremely hard metal, you might end up having to replace them again.
• Always turn the vehicle off and disconnect the battery before working on any part of your car's electrical system.