avalon42

iTrader: (1)

If you're doing the work on the alternator from on top, then yes, you might have some problems trying to break those bolts free.

I switched and went under the car to work out the bolts, I was able to get better leverage to pull down. And the alternator was there for 14 years.

AoiHeiwa

The breaker bar sounds like a good idea... I personally didn't have that problem when I replaced my alternator about 3 months back, and it was a relatively straight-forward job... You don't have to remove the PS pump or any of the hoses, just take out the old from below and put in the new one from the bottom.

It helps if you have a friend to hold the alternator from above while you screw those bolts in though... =)

Dutch

i used a 3/8 rachet with a 14 when i had to change it w/o a lift(you probably need a 3" extension for the bottom bolt), it would probably be easier from the top since you can just pull up w/o a chance of busting your knuckles. if anything a cheater pipe makes a world of difference, oh and the top "bolt" is a nut. ive had to change it a couple times when my p/s pump was leaking and i just recently had to remove it again for installation of a new water pump (monday)

dbaze25

well i lucked out yesterday. I managed to get my hands on a battery charger. I charged my the battery up and called my volvo mechanic from one of my previous cars. I asked him if he could do me a solid and fit me in even though i had a lexus. Seein as how when i totaled my vovlo i gave what was left of it to him he said he would change the alternator for $90. Seemed like a good deal since my mercedes mechanic wanted $175 for labor and refused to use the alternator i had and wanted me to buy one from him for $300. So i got the alternator replaced, but when i went under the car after i got i back to see how it looked, my mechanic had used the same bottom bolt. Only it doesnt look like a bolt anymore, more like a twisted heap of metal. But i don't really plan on fooling with it any time soon. But thanks for your help guys, i wish i had been able to tackle this one on my own.