KenD Posted April 12, 2004 Report Share Posted April 12, 2004 Please bear with me as I am a newbie mechanic and just want to make sure I do things correctly.... I was giving the car an oil change last Friday and while I was pulling the oil filter off, I figured I'd diagnose the R&R of my next project which was the alternator. I noticed that there is one rear bolt to remove and another one on the other side I presume to be taken out as per my GM service manual. What my manual does not show me is that there is a metal piping or housing of some sort that goes into the back of the alternator. It's about 3/4" in diameter from first glance. Is the harness in this? If so is it just a matter of getting an adjustable wrench in there to loosen it off? My apologies for being ignorant on this matter, but the dealership wanted 2.0 hours labour to R&R. I think I can do it myself with some guidance. Thanks Ken 1994 STS Pearl White 260,000 KM (163,000 miles) <img src="http://img45.photobucket.com/albums/v137/caesar/caddycaesar.jpg" border="0" class="linked-sig-image" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dloch Posted April 12, 2004 Report Share Posted April 12, 2004 There should be two bolts on the belt side of the alt. one on top the other on the bottom you will be able to see them from the wheel well or in my case experience... done it a few times now.... long story. The housing or pipe as you called it on the back of the alternator in is the battery connection. Disconnect the neg terminal of the battery before diconnecting that connection..... There will also be a smaller electrical connection you will need disconnect from the alternator. You will need to remove the electric fan on the right side. From the bottom when you remove splash shield you will see a little panel lower right side of the core support that has 4 bolts, remove the panel. When you finally get the alternator loose you will need to rotate it around and get it out through the opening you removed the panel from.. Have fun and keep a sense of humor...... BTW I might add, the last time around I was able to R & R the alternator in about 35 minutes... Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenD Posted April 12, 2004 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2004 Thanks for your help!! One quick question......when the manual gives a right and left direction for removing pieces from the car, is that right or left facing the car or right or left while in the car looking over the hood. Hope this makes sense. 1994 STS Pearl White 260,000 KM (163,000 miles) <img src="http://img45.photobucket.com/albums/v137/caesar/caddycaesar.jpg" border="0" class="linked-sig-image" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted April 13, 2004 Report Share Posted April 13, 2004 It has always been my understanding that left or right is from the drivers seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBuckley Posted April 13, 2004 Report Share Posted April 13, 2004 Also, there are 2 bolts on the back of the alternator, Nd the top bolt will not come all the way out, it will losen and it will back out to hit the exhaust manifold, but you can not remove it. I removed the pass. side fan motor to give my big hands room to manipulate the alternator, once you get it lose from its mounts you will need to twist it around so that the alt. housing will line up with the cut out shape of the splash shield, then you just drop it out, and you are ready to put your new one in. One word of warning, it seems that the consensus on this board is to use OEM replacements for the alt. too many autostore rebuilts seem to have problems, and the fun you have with an alternator replacement on these cars You just don't want to turn around and do it again in a couple of months. I took my alternator to a certified ac/delco repair shop and had them to rebuild it. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Raven Posted April 13, 2004 Report Share Posted April 13, 2004 My apologies for being ignorant on this matter, but the dealership wanted 2.0 hours labour to R&R Howyadoin, I think the reason the dealership wants so much money is 'cause it isn't charging for labor, it's charging for labour... It just sounds more expensive somehow. Thank you, thank you... I'll be here all week... Try the veal! I work with several Canadians, and the Commonwealth spelling thing takes a bit of getting used to. Not to mention pronouncing "process" with a long "o". Seriously though, I'd agree with the consensus on getting the OEM part. 'Course, I'm the cheap bastid that just installed a rebuilt, aftermarket A/C compressor, so feel free to call me a hypocrite... -Rav -Mark P. Salem, MA "Refined Sugar" - '96 SLS, 175K "...the Caddy is dedicated to relentlessly -- and comfortably -- converting time into distance." -J.J. Gertler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenD Posted April 13, 2004 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2004 Raven, you're too funny. Just be glad that you're not my neighbour, 'cause then I'd have to ask you for a favour, to help me with my labour. Seriously though, I am going to get the alternator rebuilt back to specs at a local shop here that specializes in this. He said it would cost anywhere from $60-$145 depending on if he had to rebuild the whole thing or not. Hey, cheaper than the dealer who wanted $378 for a new one. Thanks again for your help on this and I'll try to take some photos and post them after I've finished. Ken 1994 STS Pearl White 260,000 KM (163,000 miles) <img src="http://img45.photobucket.com/albums/v137/caesar/caddycaesar.jpg" border="0" class="linked-sig-image" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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