I am trying to remove the alternator, but I need to free up more space.
I'm trying to remove my alternator. It seems like for this model the alternator is in a terrible location. I have removed the circuit, main electrical line (one with the bolt on it) and am about to remove the tensioner.
Is there any way I could free up more space. I'm not the best with working on cars but the alternator is in such an odd location and I don't want to unscrew anything that's not necessary.
I have pictures which could better assist you.
Basically there is a large metal pipe to the left of the engine and slightly above the alternator and serpatine belt that is b
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. As a former Lexus master technician, this was one of the jobs that seemed like the engineers weren’t in their right minds when designing it. We had to loosen the core support that holds the radiator, support it away from the alternator, and then pull the alternator out without letting it slip; if it falls and hits the radiator, you will have a leak.
I strongly suggest acquiring a qualified technician for this one. One of YourMechanic’s certified technicians can assist you with an alternator replacement, and will make sure the job is done smoothly and properly.
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Additionally, the alternator keeps the battery charged, making it especially vital for your vehicle`s peak performance. Alternators usually last for about 80,000 to 150,000 miles, or at least 7 to 10 years.
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.
If you did the installation, use the following as a guide to check your new alternator. Your battery should be one of the first things on your checklist after installing a new car alternator. Any installation guide will say that you need to disconnect the battery before installing the new alternator.
Disconnect the parts
Start with the negative cable from the car`s battery. Leaving this plugged in while you work is risky. You could get a shock, and the battery could also short-circuit. You can unplug the positive cable too if you`d like, but it`s not necessary.
1. 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.
Alternators have an impressive lifespan of seven years–or between 80,000 to 150,000 miles.
If you`re noticing that your car is having problems starting, you may be wondering just how often do alternators go bad? Alternators can typically last a long time, about seven years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
When replacing and alternator, other upgrades are worth doing too. Go ahead and change the serpentine belt, tensioner and idler roller when replacing an alternator on your car or truck.
Rebuilt Will Cost Less You could save up to about half on a rebuilt alternator. In this process the broken parts are replaced, hence the term rebuilt. You may get up to a 90-day warranty. Remanufactured alternators still offer some savings, around 25% generally, and are different than rebuilt ones.
While you can technically still drive with a bad alternator, it is not advised. This is especially true in newer vehicle models. This is because there is more electricity involved compared to an older model.
Replacing an alternator isn`t difficult but you will need some specialized tools like a torque wrench and breaker bar, and depending on how your alternator is mounted, a belt tensioner tool could be required.
Replacing an alternator will take a professional about two hours. However, that doesn`t mean your car will only be at the shop for two hours—there may be a wait before a mechanic can address your ride. Plus, if the shop needs to get parts delivered, it will take even longer.
Alternators will be damaged irreversibly if they are electrically disconnected from the batteries while the engine is running, since the power they produce will have nowhere to go.
1. Disconnect That Battery. The alternator replacement tip that might seem obvious, but is easy to forget, is to ensure that your vehicle`s negative battery cable has been disconnected before you begin the work.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I am trying to remove the alternator, but I need to free up more space.
ANSWER : Hi there. As a former Lexus master technician, this was one of the jobs that seemed like the engineers weren’t in their right minds when designing it. We had to loosen the core support that holds the radiator, support it away from the alternator, and then pull the alternator out without letting it slip; if it falls and hits the radiator, you will have a leak.
I strongly suggest acquiring a qualified technician for this one. One of YourMechanic’s certified technicians can assist you with an alternator replacement, and will make sure the job is done smoothly and properly.
How much oil needs to leak into an Alternator to cause the Alternator to go bad
ANSWER : It would be difficult to say exactly how much oil it would take to cause the alternator to fail. However, oil leaking on the alternator due to leaking valve cover gaskets can cause it to fail. It seems as if the technician who is servicing your vehicle may not have performed a courtesy inspection to check for other potential issues prior to starting the other repairs you had requested. I would recommend having the alternator replaced if it has oil leaking on it as well as resolving the valve cover gasket leak to prevent it from happening again. You may try to use a different mechanic who is more upfront and honest in the first place. Consider YourMechanic as services such as this can be completed from your home or office.
Hi William, I’m trying to replace my alternator on a 2007 Lexus Es350 and I can’t get the last bolt out thats under the alternator
ANSWER : If your ES350 was built after March 2006, per the Factory Service Manual, you have to remove the bumper of the car as well as other components to gain access. Due to the amount of disassembly required, if you have the alternator replaced by a mobile certified mechanic, it will be a lot more convenient for you and the repair can be performed at your location. You need only pay the labor charge, as you already have the part. You can get an exact written quote, and schedule the repair to suit your needs, by simply visiting YourMechanic’s alternator replacement service page. Once on that page, please click on "Get a Quote" and enter your vehicle information (year, make, model). If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota that needs the front wheel hubs changed. It is 4wd with all wheel ABS. I need some tips.
ANSWER : When I replace a hub, I don’t necessarily remove the CV joints. I do, however, remove the nut that is holding the CV joint onto the hub. You will need to remove the brakes and rotor, the upper and lower ball joints (replace if damaged), remove the tie rod end (replace if damaged), and the sway arm from the hub.
This should be all you need to remove to take off your hub. Remember, if you damage any boots you will need to replace the part for your safety. Before doing all of this, you may want to get an assortment of cotter pins as well. If you want some assistance, be sure to have a professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, perform a wheel hub replacement.
Transmission cooler leak was trying to get it home it cut off an now it won’t start it acts like it needs a jump what do I need to
ANSWER : Your problem scenario sounds like at least 2 problems that appear to be interacting to look like one big mess.
First off, there is the transmission cooler leak, which will drive up transmission fluid temperature (what’s left) to the point it will overheat the transmission and shut off the engine. The transmission fluid leak requires repair so that this does not occur again. The transmission in your 745 is very expensive!
The no-start condition may be caused by a "still too hot" transmission, or failure of the Integrated Supply Module, which has a critical role in the "start" process. This module will fail in a manner similar to what you are experiencing, is relatively inexpensive and easy to change.
I would recommend having YourMechanic diagnose this issue, provide an accurate assessment of damage, and estimate the cost of repairs. YourMechanic can dispatch a mobile, professional mechanic to your location for a diagnostic of your no start condition and help you fix the issue accordingly.
I am trying to figure out what size socket is needed to remove the crankshaft pulley. Could you please help?
ANSWER : The socket you will need is 15/16, or 24mm. The pulley should slide off without any special tools. If you need assistance, check the list of YourMechanic services. Their certified mobile mechanics can visit your home or office to inspect and repair your vehicle’s issues.
Is it possible to remove Bracket bolts without removing caliper pins?
ANSWER : The complete bracket and caliper can be removed this way. I have seen this many times where the caliper retainer slide bolt seizes. The reason is no one lubed the slides and pins when they did the brakes in the past. This was avoidable if they lubed them on previous brake jobs. You can also purchase a new caliper with the bracket in most cases as an assembly. If you want to have a mechanic assist you with this, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect your suspension and help perform this task.
We are replacing break lines and having a hard time removing the break line clips and need to know how to remove these
ANSWER : The clips are removed easily by using a long set of needle nose pliers. If they are still not coming loose then use along punch and hammer to tap the corners to loosen the tab and then finish using the pliers.
