Alternator replacement question

[chapsme]

Hi, I have 2001 Protege 2.0 ES with about 136k on it and the alternator just died on me. Took it to a parts shop to have it tested and it is totally dead. So I decided to swap it out myself to save some dime. I managed to get both belts off and the alternator completely detached but I can't get it out of the engine compartment. It looks like I have to either remove something from the exhaust or the passenger side axle, which seems like a lot considering the task. Any advice.... thanks in advance.

 

[ajkulish]

trust me. its a lot easier to drop it out the bottom and put the new one up from the bottom

 

[chapsme]

Absolutely, I planned on removing it from the bottom... I was hoping someone could advise on what I should remove to actually get it out... right now it is just sitting there resting on the bracket. thx

 

[chapsme]

Update: I had to remove the spring bolts and the the bolts that attach the J-pipe to the Pre-Cat. That allowed me to flex the exhaust pipe far enough to wiggle out the Alternator. Major PITA...

 

[chapsme]

Update: I got everything installed; new alternator, and both new belts.

I thought I had an issue when putting the alternator on the bracket.... there's this metal insert on one side the alternator(where the hinge bolt goes through) that was supposed to slide over the mounting bracket on the car, but it wasn't allowing me enough room. As it turns out, if you spray some WD40 on that insert, you can tap it in with a hammer, which widens it so you can slide it on the bracket on the car.


Took it for a test drive, everything was good. Except now that the belts have stretched a bit, they squeal like hell when I start it. Any advice on adjustment? Are the specs in the shop manual good or does it vary by belt?

 

[dmention7]

Unless you have the gauge to measure belt deflection, you'll be fine just tightening it up bit by bit until the squeal goes away.