Hi all, I have a 2016 Maxima with 115K miles that needs the alternator changed. Traditional methods involve removing parts of the AC and recharging or removing radiator hoses and draining coolant. Both have lead to quotes near $1000.00

My questions is, can you remove the passenger side wheel and splash guards to get to and change out the alternator on the 8th gens? I've seen it done in videos on some of the earlier generations. However there is next to no videos on working on the 8th gen alternators since 2016 is the oldest and not many have hit 100K yet unless they are a heavy driver like myself.

Thanks,
Cody

 

I've got a custom 320a alt waiting to be put in until I get an answer to this question also. Then again I can't even find anyone that can get me a replacement belt that is a half inch shorter for the smaller pulley on it either. No one seems to have it in stock and can't tell me what size it is for sure.
So... Bump! Anyone with any info please let us know!

 

Why don't you spend a half hour remove the wheel and inner fender and see? Just because one person can't do something does not mean someone else cant...

 

half hour vs. asking?
id ask first,especially if i had no knowledge of the effort required.
but quite frankly ive noticed more cynicism than help here.

 

If its anything like the previous gen and all others that share the same/similar platform, draining the coolant is a must to remove the rad hose for better access around the alternator. You can get away with leaving the ac lines connected and loosening the compressor (keep the compressor supported so the lines dont stretch and cause a leak) and subframe bolts.

With those loosened you should be able to weasel the alternator out with a lot of patience.
I think I went through the ps wheel well, but at this point it was all a blur of frustration.

Its easier to remove the alternator with the compressor removed, at the cost of evacuating and recharging your ac. Pick your poison.

 

I did some timing chain work recently where I had to remove the timing chain cover. I had to unhook the alternator and loosen the AC compressor in the process. I left the AC hoses on the compressor.

I am almost positive that it is nearly impossible to take the alternator out via the wheel well unless you remove the compressor first. That means removing AC hoses and recharging later. Then the alternator can be dropped.

I would rather take the alternator out the other way by removing radiator hoses and pulling the alternator up and out.

Disconnecting AC compressor hoses can be tricky and leak R134. So I rather deal with radiator hoses and coolant.

As the previous respondent said…pick your poison.

 

FSM for replacing 2003 Infiniti I35 Alternator
I have a 2003 and this is the service manual page for replacing an alternator. It may or may not apply to your 2016. It does appear that you can remove the alternator without totally disconnecting the compressor. You just loosen the 4 bolts holding the compressor and let it hang but I personally would support it with something. You don't want the metal AC hoses to bend. Once the compressor is lowered, you should be able to lower the alternator and pull it out of the wheel well. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

 

03 is way different - different subframe which makes it a chore on the newer gens.

 

I find the wr