How to Replace your Alternator
Fortunately for most of us, you don't have to have a great deal of mechanical ability in order to change your alternator. Now, having made that statement. It really depends on what type of vehicle it is you will be working on. In this particular article, we will be focusing on American made vehicles.
In most cases, provided your vehicle has a straight mounted engine under the hood. Meaning that the alternator is located on the front of the engine, directly behind the radiator. The procedure is not a complicated one. Most often the alternator is located on the upper, top right side of the engine. You will see it located there with small fan fins on the front, with a round circular pulley on the front, in which the fan belt runs through.
The first thing you will need to do is remove the black plastic cowling on the backside of the radiator. The purpose of this cowling is to direct the airflow pulled through the, radiator in order to cool the fluid in your radiator. This in turn pulls the air across the engine to help the engine keep cool as well. The cowling is normally held in place by anywhere from eight to twelve, self tapping screws.
Once the cowling is removed, it will give you ample room to work on removing the alternator. Once you have the cowling removed, the alternator will be plainly visible. On the left rear side of the alternator, you will see a push in plug. Normally with a red and black wire that plugs into the rear of the alternator. Using a flathead screwdriver, push the screwdriver into the top, square keeper on the top of the connector and push down gently. With your free hand wiggle the connector from side to side, until it releases. Then remove the plug-in. This will stop any dc current from reaching the alternator.
Next is the mounting bracket. It's normally shaped in a half moon configuration. On the right side of the alternator and attaches from the alternator to the engine block itself. Loosen the bottom bolt first. It's normally a 9/16th. standard SA size. Once this is done, loosen the top bolt which runs through the alternator bracket. This will allow the alternator to be turned to the left. Thereby loosening the tension on the fanbelt. Once this is completed. Remove both the top and bottom bolts and the alternator can be removed entirely!
Now that you have completed this procedure. The first thing you do is to take your alternator to you favorite auto parts store and have their staff check it on their equipment. If it is indeed bad, they may offer you what they call a core price. Which in essence is a slight reduction in the cost of your new replacement alternator. Make your purchase. Return home and simply repeat the above procedure in reverse, and that as they say my friends, is that!
In conclusion of this article. If you are anything like myself. I absolutely love fixing things myself. It gives me a real sense of satisfaction to know that I'm every bit as capable of fixing my own vehicles as some high paid dealership. Not to mention the fact, I know it was done correctly so there won't be any needless return trips to the mechanic. And let's not forget the icing on the cake my friends. You just saved yourself a nice little piece of pocket change!
