How easy is it to replace an alternator on a 91 Maxi?

In the mechanics book it's quoted as a .6 but im talking for a guy who relativly new to cars.

Should I just pay the 87.19 in labour (canadian) for them to do it right? Or is this a you cant screw it up kinda deal?

 

Replacing an alternator isn't really do it yourself, if you have the right set of tools and parts, the you can do it.

I suggest reading the faq sticky or searching more info on the subject.

Its probably easier for you to get the alternator repaired by a mechanic.

 

Consider it done, thanks.

 

all you need is a ratchet and a 10mm and a 12mm socket....

it's not really that hard of a swap. 30 mins on average. pick up an FSM or a haynes manual...

 

unless you break one of the three bolts involved and have to remove the ac unit, tensor, bracket which holds all of the above in place, and take the bloody (literally) thing to a machinist to get things going from there...
so ummm... if you're a DIY kinda guy, do it yourself. but be gentle. follow the write ups, don't break a bolt and you'll be fine.it'll only take you 45 min w/confusion.
if you're not a DIY kinda guy... pay someone who is.
there's my $0.02

 

The bolts are pretty rusted. I think i'll just be safe and take it to the dealer.

 

the other thing i neglected to do was use any form of liquid wrench/wd40 when i ot into trouble.... don't mean to scare you at all i'm just a little bitter... it really is simple.
alternators and starters i'd just say go for it, they're easy (most of the time) and if you want to get familiar with working on your car yourself it's a good place to start, limited tools required, little time involved, even with the first-timers' jitters.
but if you arent' really interested in building skills regarding car maintenance and are looking to save a couple bucks.... they're called pros for a reason (most of the time).

 

I did the suspension on mine and it was real easy just time consuming and without spring compressors at times a little frustrating. I had to get pretty inventive using 2 jacks and stuff.

Just don't want to mess something up that I couldn't fix myself if I did infact mess it up. For 87 bucks canadian I think it's worth the chance of me hurting my pocket further.

 

it's a LOT easier than your suspension. disconnect your battery, and crawl under the car. it's completely self explanatory. unplug 3 wires, loosen a couple bolts, remove the tensioner and belt, then remove the loose bolts from earlier. takes me about 15 minutes to swap one.

 

15 minutes, wow! That's pretty good!

I've replaced two so far on my 90 SE. Not difficult, but the bolts are sometimes very difficult to line up on installation. It's a pretty tight alignment of the alt. mounting holes/bushings to the bracket. Use some type of alignment tool (punch end or allen wrench about the same size of the bolt opening) and you should be fine.

Took me probably an hour or so.

Tim

 

It's easy to do if you have the right tools. Probably one of the easier ones to change. Remove the neg battery cable, jack up the front (use jack stands!!!), remove the splash pan, and you can see everything. If it looks to hard, take it to a shop. You should also change the belts if it needs it.
Haynes manual is a big help. Factory one is even better.

 

I have a 1985 to 1991 Haynes manual for $10.00. It has lots of information but most of the pictures are of the earlier years.
Email me if your interested.