I pulled the alternator out of 1999 Maxima 5 speed - ordered the same alternator. The problem is that the alternators I have shows the same model numbers but they are physically different from each other - the mounting point of the new alternator is thicker and the mounting bolt cannot clear (I cannot thread in the front nut because the bolt would not come out enough to expose the thread). I am confused - how is it possible for two parts having identical parts number but different? They both have Nissan stamped on the back of the alternator but the new one will cannot be mounted in my car.

Now what? Is there a different set of mounting hardware for my car? Or should I cut about 1/2" from alternator frame? Or do I return this and get another one? Maybe I should dump OE Hitachi and go with Bosch...

 

I would take it back an try another alternator. At the rebuild shop someone could of put the wrong alternator in the right box.

 

Got pictures of both mounting points your talking about?

 

Where exactly did you get this alternator? AutoZone? If so, I know exactly what your problem is. The dowel pin on the alternator has to be hammered in to get the bolt to thread. Compare it to your old alternator and you will see the difference. Been there once before and had them hammer it in.

 

^what he said - put them next to each other and you'll see the gap is different and you'll need to hammer it in

 

Nope it wasn't the pin. I put the alternator next to each other and fond that the frame of the new alternator is thicker. I thought about cutting it, but my part guy was able to go though all the alternator he has and identify the one I needed.

 

Should have just got an OEM one then. It cost $250 which I am pretty sure you paid close for the one you have now.

 

Another option would be a new (not reman) unit like the Bosch AL2365N on Amazon for $115-135 shipped. When I was replacing mine it seems like people had horrible luck with local places (which almost exclusively sell remanufactured units which can be bad right out of the box).

 

i just replaced my alternator with one from autozone.

kind of tight, but it mounted right up. -_-
i have a 97 gle though. . not sure of the difference but yeah.

 

Ok, finished the job last night. just couple of notes:

1. Finding the right alternator was difficult. I was told that there were recalls on this alternator and Nissan experimented with different versions of alternator for this car. So I was told by the parts guy that I have to pull the alternator to find which (110 amp vs. 120 amp) alternator was used. I did that, and got the OE alternator model number from the part. Using this part, I ordered the rebuilt Hitachi alternator but it did not fit. (The front mounting point was too thick and mounting bolt was not coming out to the front. So looks like Hitachi changed the alternator but decided to keep the part number. I called the parts guy and he said he had to go though his inventories to locate the one that I need. I ended up paying about $160 for the alternator from BMA Autoparts.

2. Haynes manual was incorrect. My car is 1999 and the manual said that I do not need to pull out the radiator. After wasting an hour trying to get the alternator out (and doing some damage to alternator fins) I ended up pulling the radiator out.

3. While I was there - I replaced Drive belts, belt tensioner (bearing was going out and had some play), upper and lower radiator hose. For the tensioner - I had option of replacing the whole assembly ($70) or the pulley only ($40). I purchased the whole assembly but it turned out that there isn't any wear & tear items on the assembly so next time I would just replace the pulley.

 

There was definitely no need to remove the alternator. I have done this job twice and that was not necessary. As for the alternator sizes, either one fits as I have used both versions. Even if you went to the dealership, they don't ask for your VIN as the alternator will fit regardless.