I have to replace my alternator...just a quick question for the "Maxi-guru's":
Does the steering rack have to be lowered to replace the alternator?? Has anyone come up with a "quick-n-dirty" method for alternator replacement on 95/96 Maxi?? Please give me your input, since this is now a "must- do" project! Thanks, Doug

 

Here's what the FSM says:


There's really no need to pay anyone to replace this for you.

 

are you talking about the right accessory here?

the steering rack is in the BACK of the engine bay, right over the sway bar.

The alternator is at the FRONT no where close to the steering rack.

FYI- tip, remove the 4 bolts holding the AC compressor to the bracket (do not disconect the lines though) to be able to let it drop and hang by the lines. It will give you MUCH more room to play with to get the alternator in and out of that cramped area. You dont HAVE to, but it will make life MUCH easier.

 

Hmmm, My mechanic says he has to lower the rack assembly...he's always treated me right before, but I may have to call him on this come bill-payin' time. Thanks!! Doug

 

He's either reading the wrong car procedure or he has a late payment due on something. He couldn't have possibly determined this from looking at the car you own. I would now refer to him as my former mechanic if I were you.

 

well the power steering pump and alternator do both have pulleys on them...

 

and so does the AC unit too ... what's your point? If it's an ALT issue, your bat light will come on ... and you can hear the sound form the front or rear of the engine .... so,

If it's the PS pump .... you know it when you turn the wheels all the way to lock, you'll hear a whine noise. Also ... it'd likely leak fluid too ... so the rez would be low. (rez is pass side, atop the front engine mount, hows it look?)

 

to change the alternator take the 4 bolts out of the a/c compressor and pull the radiator out of the car(easier than it sounds just look and youll figure it out) put baggies or condoms or rubber gloves over the rad hoses and holes. loosen the belt with the tensioner and remove the alt. its very easy it just takes some time.

 

radiator pull is a little extreme....but u have to take out the fan. It would take a really good mechanic a little over an hour from start to finish. So expect to pay for at least 2 hours of labor....but if he tells you that he needs to remove steering rack, he's just trying to squeeze money outta ya.

 

eh you dont need to take out the fan. ive replaced my alt twice with out removing the fans. just the 4 bolts to the a/c , belt, bolts up to the alt and thats pretty much it. pretty cut and dry

 

only took me about 20 min to do the radiator...disconnect upper and lower hoses, have a drain pan or something underneath to catch the rad fluid. unbolt top bracket bolts (2) disconnect fan sensors and pull it straight out. but what would a rad pull have to do with the R&R of the alt?

 

when I pull the rad i put baggies over the holes to keep the fluid in it. removing it is very easy. and it makes the alt easier to see and maneuver. if your working from floor jacks its much nicer to be able to tackle a problem from the top rather than the bottom (laying on your back under a car is no fun) which you cant do without the rad removed. if you have a shop with a lift than Im sure its no big deal to leave everything but the a/c.

 

WOW! Thank y'all for all the responses! Indeed, the rack issue was either my mis-hearing(?) or... anyway, he acknowleged the correct procedure and the bill was only for 1hr labor which is fair to me. Had I done more research, this is really something I should have done(will do in the future) myself Just wish I had access to a lift...flat-on-back wrenching jobs are getting harder as I get older (fatter) and with lowered springs- harder to just roll up ramps. thanks folks!!! Doug

 

ok i jus changed my alternator today...

1. take off the battery wire.....
2. take off the fans... will give u a lil more room to move around.
3. loosen idle tensioner bolt... and take the belt off... keep it int he car to prevent damage (good time to inspect and change if necessary)
4. remove 4 bolts that hold AC compressor up... and disconnect the wire too
5. remove plus and ground from alternator...
6. remove 2 bolts that hold the alternator up... 1 is right in front... 1 (the long one) is behind... make sure u dont lose the nut that is attached to the rear
7. move the ac compressor around and get the alternator out.... and put the new one in...
boom ur done... reverse all teh steps and start up the car.

 

u dont have to remove radiator... it jus complicates things a bit... jack up the car on stands... make sure rear brake is engaged... and u'll have more then enough room to get the alternator out