How can I get an alternator out of my car?
With the belt pulled off of the alternator pulley and the wires disconnected, the alternator should come out freely. You may need to wiggle the alternator around some things in order to remove it. Keep track of how you worm the alternator out of the engine bay to help squeeze the new one in. Compare the new alternator to the old one.
Do you need to remove serpentine belt to change alternator?
As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged.
What can I use to relieve tension on alternator belt?
Relieve tension on the belt with the auto-tensioner (if equipped). Some vehicles use the alternator itself to apply tension to the serpentine or accessory belt, but others use an auto tensioner pulley.
How to replace an alternator on a 1995 GMC?
Somewhere on your vehicle there is a tensioner pulley. You’ll need to move it enough to slip the belt off the pulley. Our ’95 GMC has a standard spring-loaded GM tensioner that required us to pull it back with a wrench.
Is it easy to remove an alternator from a car?
Retain all parts in separate bunches. Once everything else is out of the way, it should be fairly easy to remove the actual alternator. The alternator is attached to the engine through the use of one main bolt that you must remove. With the bolt gone, rock the alternator away from the belt and lift clean from the car.
As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged.
How is the alternator attached to the engine?
The alternator is attached to the engine through the use of one main bolt that you must remove. With the bolt gone, rock the alternator away from the belt and lift clean from the car. With the alternator free from the engine, you can disconnect the wires that run back to the battery to charge it.
Relieve tension on the belt with the auto-tensioner (if equipped). Some vehicles use the alternator itself to apply tension to the serpentine or accessory belt, but others use an auto tensioner pulley.
Where is the insert jack on an alternator?
Insert jack stands beneath the vehicle for safety once it’s jacked up. Remove the main power cable from the alternator. The main power cable will be the thick cable attached to the alternator that runs from the battery.
How can I tell if my alternator has an auto tensioner?
You can tell if your vehicle uses an auto-tensioner by looking at the alternator mounting bracket: if the bolts can slide from side to side in the bracket, it does not have an auto-tensioner. You will need to slide the belt off the alternator pulley before you release the auto-tensioner.
How many bolts do you need to replace an alternator?
Our model required the removal of three bolts: one at the front and two at the rear. With the old alternator in your hand you’re half way home. You’ll likely find getting the new one back in goes much faster since you already know what size the bolt heads are and where everything is.
How much does it cost to replace an alternator?
Replacing an alternator can cost you several hundred bucks at the local repair shop, but it’s one of the simplest repairs you can do at home. With a few tools and about an hour you can swap it out yourself — and keep your dough in your pocket where it belongs.
Is it easy to remove an alternator from an engine?
Since the typical alternator is bolted directly to the outside of the engine block, removing and replacing one is relatively simple in terms of labor. If your engine is equipped with a serpentine accessory belt, you’ll just need to release the pressure on the belt tensioner and then remove the belt.
How do you change the pulley on an alternator?
PULLEY CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS 1. To remove the alternator pulley, with one hand use an impact wrench to loosen the nut, while holding the alternator fan with the other. It is recommended that protective gloves and eyewear be used. The pulley nut uses standard, right-hand threads, so to remove, rotate in a counter- clockwise direction.
Can a manual tensioner be used to replace an alternator?
The belt tensioner will only travel (swing) so far which can make installing the belt difficult. Never pry or force the belt onto the pulley. Vehicles with a manual tensioner or the belt tightens with the alternator, there should about ½ inch of deflection in the belt between the pulleys with the greatest distance between them. 7
How can I tell if my alternator is charging?
The alternator is charging if the battery voltage stays above 13 volts with the engine at 2,000 rpm and all accessories on. Check the alternator gauge. If you have a volt/amp gauge, it will read the alternator output for you.
Can a low battery cause an alternator to go bad?
This means that if your battery is too low, you will be unable to start the vehicle and thus you will also be unable to test the alternator, rendering any additional voltmeter-testing totally useless. If the weather is cold or your battery is old, your battery could be the issue and your alternator might be just fine.
How big of a socket do you need for an alternator?
These will often require a 14mm or 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) socket, though you may need to try others. As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged. Inspect the serpentine belt for damage.
With the belt pulled off of the alternator pulley and the wires disconnected, the alternator should come out freely. You may need to wiggle the alternator around some things in order to remove it. Keep track of how you worm the alternator out of the engine bay to help squeeze the new one in. Compare the new alternator to the old one.
Insert jack stands beneath the vehicle for safety once it’s jacked up. Remove the main power cable from the alternator. The main power cable will be the thick cable attached to the alternator that runs from the battery.
You can tell if your vehicle uses an auto-tensioner by looking at the alternator mounting bracket: if the bolts can slide from side to side in the bracket, it does not have an auto-tensioner. You will need to slide the belt off the alternator pulley before you release the auto-tensioner.
What happens if you leave your alternator alone?
Your alternator supplies your car’s battery and auxiliary systems with electrical current, and a failed alternator left alone will eventually lead you with a dead battery, or a dead car on the side of the road. Keep reading to learn the signs of a damaged alternator and find out the general steps required for a DIY alternator replacement.
How do you compare an alternator to a new alternator?
Compare the old alternator to the replacement alternator. Note the electrical connector plug-in position and the design (shape). Make sure everything matches before installing. This also applies to the position of the alternator mounting bolt holes.
How do you remove an alternator?
Removing the Old Alternator Relieve tension on the belt with the auto-tensioner (if equipped). Loosen the bolts on the alternator if there is no auto-tensioner. Inspect the serpentine belt for damage. Remove the alternator from the engine bay. Compare the new alternator to the old one.
How much should it cost to replace the alternator?
The price of repairing an alternator will depend on the car you drive, the type of alternator (remanufactured or new) and the auto shop you take it to. Most repairs, according to our research, will be in the $275 to $570 range.
Do you need an alternator?
If you’ve got a basic, stock vehicle, chances are you don’t need a high-output alternator. Most factory alternators are rated at 65 to 100 amps and are capable of handling your vehicle’s basic necessities, such as headlights, gauges, fuel pumps, A/C, etc.
How much should it cost to replace an alternator?
How Much Does Alternator Replacement Cost. The amount you will have to pay for a new alternator really depends on the model and make of your car. However, the average cost of a new alternator is between $180 and $650 , while the actual repair work, including labor, typically amounts to $400 to $600 . For best results, opt for a new alternator or get one that’s built by the manufacturer.
Can an alternator be repaired?
Alternators fail frequently, and good rebuilt units are pricey (typically in the $150+ range). But virtually any alternator can be easily repaired for less than $50. You can do it yourself in your garage or driveway using ordinary hand tools and a little knowledge.
How do you remove the pulley on an alternator?
To remove the alternator pulley, use a 1/2″ Drive impact wrench to loosen the nut. Most automotive Alternator pulleys use a 15/16 socket. Hold the alternator pulley firmly. You should use a rag or better a heavy glove. Alternators with external fans can rip up.
How do I replace the altenator?
How to Replace Your Alternator Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable. This step is crucial if you want to avoid a short, and trust us, you do. Locate the Alternator. The alternator is mounted to the engine, either the front or the side depending on the vehicle. Alternator Removal Match it Up! Alternator Installation. Finishing Up.