Alternator replacement - lessone learned
 

So all the general info here helped me tackle the alternator replacement on my Max. I thought I'd throw this in for those who are struggling with the long bolt:

- I removed the radiator and fans, passenger front wheel, splash guards, belts, tensioner pully, and was able to get the old alternator out, but was having problems getting the long bolt back into the new one. I ended up pulling the four (or five) bolts off the AC compressor, and moving it up to the spot where the radiator usually sits.

I then got under the car, and boom, could see and stick my hand up and stick that long bolt in. From there, just put it all back together. The key to getting the long bolt in for me was to move the AC Comp forward, out of the way from the bottom, this gives you a clear shot at that bolt.


Just my .02. Thanks for all the info on this site.

I wanted to avoid removing the long bolt completely at all cost, because I knew I would run into problems, however...

It's nearly impossible to pull it without removing the long bolt completely! So, I guess I have something to look forward to once the genny arrives at my doorstep! LOL

It's not too bad if you pull that radiator n fans out of the way, remove the belt, remove the pulley, then unbolt the AC and slide it forward. From underneath, you then have a easy shot at the bolt. It was the ONLY WAY I could get at that bolt. Once I had the AC out of the way, I had the car back on the road in 2 hours.

I did this job years ago at 125k and need to do it again. IIRC I didn't have to touch the AC. It was tricky but possible. I will be doing it next month and will report back.

I recently did mine and did not remove the a/c . I used a magnet to guide the bolt in. fans out the way. it was not that bad.