I've got a '99 Civic EX, and it looks like my alternator's shot..

I called around and local shops are charging around $300 for the alternator/labor (~$240 parts, ~$60 labor), which is pretty much a ripoff imo. I'm thinking of buying a used alternator on ebay and installing it myself, but the thing is I've never really done any type of engine work...I just don't want to drop too much money into the car since this is my beater.

I'm guessing this is something a n00b can do? Does anyone know where I can find detailed instructions on replacing this (the more pictures the better :D)

 

well.it should be cheaper if u traded in your old ones to the auto parts store..anyway..what i did was..i unplugped the negetive terminal from battery, jacked up the car..removed front driver side wheel, removed 2 plugs from the alternator..and loose the lower nut and took out the long bolt and removed the upper mount nut..loose the belt and dropped the alternator in between exhaust downpipe and axles..installation is just the reverse of the removal..
good luck..the whole swap job took me less than 30 mins..so if to have someone do it $60 labor sounds about right.

 

If that stupid through bolt on the alt. bracket won't come loose you still can still get it off the block with the alt. attached. It takes a while but you can unthread that bolt in the middle of the bracket with a box end.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by wasssup &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've got a '99 Civic EX, and it looks like my alternator's shot..

I called around and local shops are charging around $300 for the alternator/labor (~$240 parts, ~$60 labor), which is pretty much a ripoff imo. I'm thinking of buying a used alternator on ebay and installing it myself, but the thing is I've never really done any type of engine work...I just don't want to drop too much money into the car since this is my beater.

I'm guessing this is something a n00b can do? Does anyone know where I can find detailed instructions on replacing this (the more pictures the better :D)</TD></TR></TABLE>

remanufactured alternator $150 (w/warranty)
repair manual $20
you learning something new and the sense of accomplishment, priceless.

you are better off getting a remanufactured one from the store. some come with a lifetime warranty. better than getting a used one from ebay w/no warranty.

 

Thanks guys. I've already got a chilton manual, but I've always thought their instructions suck, and that the walkthroughs I find online are infinitely better..

I looked into getting a remanufactured for $160 from advance auto parts, but used ones on ebay go for like $20 shipped...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by wasssup &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
but used ones on ebay go for like $20 shipped...</TD></TR></TABLE>

but the problem with this is, it might work today but be dead tomorrow.

 

so I won't have a chance to work on my car till saturday, but I was looking at the chilton guide and it doesn't say anything about raising the car (i know a few folks said that's what they did)...

is it really necessary? i'll have to roll the car into his driveway if it is...

 

The alternator would probably come out from the bottom. Would be much accessible to get it out and putting back the alternator through bolt from below. I lift my car up to change my alternator when I did it. Don't forget to tension your belt after you put everything back on.

 

ive also heard that you need to remove the driver side axle? can anyone confirm. i need to change the alt. belt pulley on mine. GSR in 98 coupe, can i get away with doing the same of sliding it through the middle like mentioned above? thanks!!!

 

get the service manual from the link in my sig.. go from there and do it the honda way

 

thank man, ill give it a shot.

 

i tried going to the site in your sig. but you have to register to use the manuals. tried doing that but they seem to have a problem with their e-mailing system.

 

im having a problem getting out my alternator. i have a y7 if that helps. i took out both brackets and its still a bitch to take out, barely any room for it to fit anywhere any advice would help!