Alternator Bolt not lining up on 3.2L

[SHOfun 93]

I just changed the alternator today on my 95 cuz the original one shat the bad last night, and when I went to reinstall the new one, the top bolt didn't line up perfectly. I have purchased new alternators before in the past from them and they seemed to have no problems. The bracket that goes over the top of the alternator didn't seem damaged in any way or bent, but still it is off by half a hole from lining up to install the top bolt. All seemed well, and the alternator was solidly mounted, so my concern is that will the alternator have problems missing that bolt?

 

[luigisho]

You sure you didn't get a mixup from the factory? Lots of mistakes happen and an incorrectly boxed unit or an incorrect part from the counterperson is certainly possible. Bench test that stuff before you leave the store.

 

[SHOfun 93]

The casings looked identical and the rest of the bolt housings and everything were perfect except that one bolt hole. I guess there could have been some damage to that bracket somewhere along the line causing the change in alignment.

 

[roswell998]

Any chance that you tightened one or more of the bolts before all were started? If so, loosen all bolts that hold the alternator and see if it can be moved around enough to start that last one.

Edit: Also remove or loosen the belt if it is on.

 

[SHOfun 93]

Did that but I don't know if you have ever done alternator on ATX, but there really isn't any room to "play" to line up the bolts those holes are pretty much fixed.

 

[roswell998]

Did that but I don't know if you have ever done alternator on ATX, but there really isn't any room to "play" to line up the bolts those holes are pretty much fixed.

Yea, I've got a 93atx and figured that was probably a long shot with your's being off that much (1/2 bolt diam).

Just curious, which way is the alignment off (alt toward front/back or left/right) and is the pulley in proper alignment?

Good luck with it!

 

[SHOfun 93]

That's the funny thing is everything else lines up perfectly and fits well. The serpentine belt is fine and the only thing not lining up is the top bolt. I guess something must be up with the top mounting bracket somehow. I am going to check it out tomorrow after a day of driving around.

 

[luigisho]

See if the store has another unit you so you can eye up the cases. I wonder if an MTX or SLO unit would look close enough to mix it up?

 

[SolidState]

Mounting between the two is completely different...

the ATX is alot easier to replace....stoopid rear bolt and the MTX...

 

[SHOfun 93]

Pic

Here's a pic of what I am talking about..

But all other holes line up fine...should I reloosen all the bolts and see if I can "play" with it enough to get it seeded correctly? I am going to pull it back off when I install UDPs here in a few weeks.

 

[roswell998]

But all other holes line up fine...should I reloosen all the bolts and see if I can "play" with it enough to get it seeded correctly? I am going to pull it back off when I install UDPs here in a few weeks.

Might be worthwhile loosening all the bolts just to see. I recall when I put mine on that I first tightened the bottom bolts and had to loosen them to get the top one in. Didn't have as much misalignment as you have though. I think you also have to remove the front idler to get to one of the mounting bolts, but I'd sure try that before returning it for a replacement.

 

[Slo-Sho]

My replacement did the same thing. I couldn't get the bolt to line up and just ended up leaving it out. BTW, it was a "WORLD CLASS" reman and it had problems from day one. The lights would pulsate and/or flicker. I've had that thing warrantied atleast 4 times over the course of 2 years through Pep Boyz. I finally got a used OEM unit and installed that instead. Damn crappy remans....