How to Change the Alternator on a Hyundai Tiburon

Most Hyundai Tiburons, regardless of year, come with a V-6 engine. The alternator is mounted on the lower half of the right (passenger) side of the engine. Alternator removal is a bit complicated, as you have to disassemble a lot of the passenger side engine compartment to even get to the alternator--but it's do-able with some care and attention.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ratchet set
• Screwdrivers
• Ball joint tool
• Car jack
• Lug nut wrench

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and then remove the drive belt from the pulley on the front part of the alternator. The drive belt tensioner is spring loaded and can be lifted upwards to free the drive belt.

2. Jack the vehicle up so that you have complete access to the passenger side wheel. Remove the wheel by loosening and removing the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench. Use the screwdrivers to remove the screws along the lip of the fender splash guard and then remove the splash guard itself.

3. Disconnect the tie rod spindle with the ball joint tool and then use the ratchet set to disconnect the exhaust pipe coming down from the engine. Unplug the wiring connectors and remove the cables from the alternator. Unscrew the alternator mounting bolts and slide the alternator out of the engine compartment.

4. Mount the new alternator in place of the old one and tighten down the mounting screws with the crescent wrench. Reconnect the wiring harness and then connect the exhaust pipe back to the engine. Reconnect the tie rod spindle and remount the wheel. Let the car down off the jack and remount the belt onto the pulley. Start the car up to see how it runs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a truly novice mechanic, this repair may warrant a trip to the auto repair shop as there is a fair amount of disassembly involved.

References

• Article on replacing alternators

Resources

• Pick up a new alternator here

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