How to repair, change or replace an alternator?
You want to ensure a nice snug fit. Line up all the bolt holes and tighten the bolts to the correct tension. Replace all the connecting components to their correct counterparts (as you previously labelled). Next, replace the belt. If you struggle a little with this, there are a few tricks on how to get the belt back on your alternator.
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.
Where do I install a new alternator belt?
Install the new V-belt on the engine pulleys first (and on any other engine accessory that it drives) and finally, on the alternator pulley. If the new V-belt is not the right size you can temporarily re-use the old belt. You can visit the parts counter again to get the correct size, and install a new V-belt at a later time.
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
What’s the best way to replace an alternator?
There’s a 90-degree twist in the middle of the Cross Force wrenches, so you end up pushing on a flat surface. The result: we could push harder without discomfort. So we just laid into it and the belt came free. Once the belt is off just remove whatever bolts connect the alternator to the bracket and you’re good to go.
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 should I do Before I unbolt my alternator?
Take some photos of the alternator in position and the orientation of the wire harness, ie the wiring socket at the rear of the alternator. Before unbolting the alternator ensure you unclip the wire harness on the rear of the alternator. You may have to google for details depending on the make and model of your car.
What should the voltage of an alternator be?
Start your engine and read the digital multi-meter’s output. The voltage should rise near 13.5-14.5 volts. Using an open end wrench, disconnect the battery’s negative cable. Disconnect the power and ground wires on the back of the alternator paying close attention to where each wire connects.
Can a cheater be used on an alternator?
If there is no transverse bolt, you can use a ‘cheater’ to hold the alternator in place while you tighten it into its correct position. Alternatively, a good assistant can help you keep the belt tight while you fasten the mounting bolts. Without the correct tension, you’re in danger of creating real problems.
Can a positive power cable be removed from an alternator?
Once you have the positive power cable removed from the alternator you can go ahead and start to remove the bolts connecting the alternator to your engine. You should also be able to remove these bolts with a basic socket set as most engine bay bolts are going to range from a 9 to 12.
What should I do when I need to replace my alternator?
As you do, use tape to label the wires so you know where they go when it’s time to install the new alternator. Loosen and remove the alternator. If you have a V-belt, the alternator must first be loosened before the V belt can be removed as the alternator provides belt tension.
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
What should be the deflection between the drive belt and alternator?
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. Once the alternator, drive belt, and electrical connections are reinstalled, scan the work area and make sure nothing has been overlooked.
Do you have to loosen alternator to remove V-belt?
If you do have a V-belt, then you must loosen the alternator before you can remove the belt. It’s the alternator that provides the tension for the belt in these cases, not a separate tensioning part as with the serpentine belt. You want to ensure a nice snug fit.
What happens if the alternator is not in the car?
If an alternator did not exist in the vehicle, the battery would never be able to power all these electronic components for more than a short period. It simply does not generate enough energy to do this. The alternator keeps the charge going in the battery so that the power can continue to cycle throughout the vehicle.
What are the symptoms of a loose alternator belt?
Loose Alternator Belt Symptoms. As you continue to drive your vehicle, the alternator belt gets a little bit more worn each day. It could be susceptible to wear and tear damage or it may even come loose from the pulley. Once that happens, you can expect all kinds of symptoms to arise.
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.
How long does it take to change an alternator?
An alternator replacement typically takes around an hour. This is dependent of course on the condition of the old unit and how difficult it is to remove.
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 do you install an alternator?
How to Install an Alternator in 10 Steps Step1 – Disconnect the Negative Terminal of the Vehicle’s Battery Step 2 – Loosen the Two Bolts that Hold the Alternator Step 3 – Rotate the Alternator Step 4 – Remove the Electrical Wires Step 5 – Adjust the Bolts Step 6 – Install the Belt Step 7 – Position the Alternator Step 8 – Move the Vise Grip