My alternator just died and well my mechanics being really slow with it, im thinking about doing it myself, how hard is it? I have the helms book and it looks pretty easy to do. also


on the right side, for tightening the belt, how can i measure or know if the belt is tight enough?

 

The alternator's easy to unbolt. The hard part is getting it out from where it is. I think it's easiest if you remove your axle, though I've never tried this. When I replaced my alternator I had to remove my brake proportioning valve to get it out!

When you tighten your belt, just put some tension on it but not too much. Check the tension now if you're curious how much there should be. The belt should deflect maybe it's own thickness to the left or right. Too tight and you're increasing drag and wearing the belt; too loose and the alternator won't spin right. It sounds harder than it is.

Oh yeah, I should mention if you check my site under 'Basics and Frills' there's instructions on how to remove/install the alternator. HTH.


[Modified by raeneshadow, 12:05 PM 7/11/2001]

 

Do you mean it is hard to get the alternator out of the engine bay or out of its position?

 

Out of the engine bay. Trying to remove it from underneath, I believe it hits the axle. Trying to remove it from the above, it hits the valvecover and the brake proportioning valve.