Alternator Removal questions

[SHOfun 93]

Okay I think the original alternator has finally bit the dust. Couple of questions on removal. Should I loosen the pulley bolt BEFORE I take the load off the serpentine belt while I have resistance on it? Or if I am getting the old one rebuilt, is it necessary at all to remove the UDP off the alternator since the same one will be going back on there? Thanks.

Also If anyone has some tips/things to look for/warnings. post those up too, but I BELIEVE that it is a pretty straightforward procedure shrug

 

[luigisho]

For a rebuild just leave it on.

 

[sdpatt]

Jeremy, it is much easier to use an air wrench to get the nut off, but that is done with the alternator off the engine. It would be simpler and easier to just buy a remanufactured unit with a lifetime warranty and install it. You will have to swap the underdrive pulley onto the new alternator. Just take the old and new alternators to the shop with the air wrench so they can do them at the same time. Or, you could let the rebuild shop do it.

 

[SHOfun 93]

Scott,
So you recommend a new unit with lifetime warranty over a rebuild with the same warranty? The price is over $60 difference, and I have a guy locally that does good work.

 

[SHO--ripper]

If they both have a lifetime warrenty go with the cheaper one. You may have to replace it again in the future but you will save $. When removing/reinstalling the alternator you will have to move it around a lot. It is almost stuck in there. Make sure to give it a good yank. Also, when reinstalling it line up the long bolt first. I had the most trouble lining that bolt up when i replaced my friends altenator. Good luck. thumb