Fastest way to replace alternator?

[sleepyhead87]

So I know how to replace the alternator the snail way of removing your wheel etc, but in this thread a few people claim that it can be done in twenty minutes without removing the wheel.

http://www.3sgto.org/3000gt-stealth-...ement-how.html

Conveniently the picture linked that might hint at how that's possible is not working. Can anyone tell me if they know this faster method they were talking about?

Thanks

[bboyalan]

I leave the bracket and remove only the alternator. People actually remove their wheel for this? Crazy... lol

[sleepyhead87]

Hm I figured it was to get better access to the belt tensioner, but I suppose you could just lift the car and get at it from underneath huh?

[wingnut]

Take the wheel off...really?

I have never pulled a wheel for an alternator, but did the rest as indicated in the thread...

A/C line loose, pull the fan and the I/C hose is all i ever needed

[Boomer3000]

I never had to pull the fan either, intercooler hose, and tensioner. 20 min swap.

[wingnut]

I never had to pull the fan either, intercooler hose, and tensioner. 20 min swap.

Was thinking about this last night, i may have had better luck leaving the bracket on, and pulling the fan...instead of leaving the fan, and removing the bracket. But, its been awhile since I have had to swap one

[RealMcCoy]

I think the idea of pulling the wheel is for better access to the tensioner and belt. Definitely not necessary, but it would also depend on the tools available.

I just yank the radiator complete with the fans, makes a bunch of room, and you don't have to worry about raking the alternator across the fins on the way out.

[KeithMac]

I'm still on the original 20+ year old alternator!.

[ItTricky]

... I just undo the 3 bolts. It untensions itself. Then pull it out. Put it back in, get belt mostly in then rotate engine to finish putting belt on.


granted I don't have A/C and I run no tensioner.

[BaadVR4]

And the radiator does NOT need to be disconnected. Even with all the hoses/etc hooked up, just lay the rad on top of the engine.

I think the idea of pulling the wheel is for better access to the tensioner and belt. Definitely not necessary, but it would also depend on the tools available.

I just yank the radiator complete with the fans, makes a bunch of room, and you don't have to worry about raking the alternator across the fins on the way out.