Mike- Posted August 26, 2010 Report Share Posted August 26, 2010 My alternator light had come on and when running for a while it started to smoke. Not cool. Ordered a new one and thought I’d knock up a guide, it’s been done back to front when the new one was fitted, as putting things back together is easier and involves less swearing, so more time for pictures. All in all a pretty easy job, not as daunting as it sounds. Without stopping to figure out how things are working and not waiting on bits to be delivered it would be under a 2 hour job. Tools: 10mm, 13mm, 16mm sockets + one small extension. Flat screwdriver T50 torx bit 8mm hex/allen key First off, remove the airbox. Unplug the MAF by pulling out the metal circlip and pull. Undo the two 10mm bolts to the right of the box, then the whole thing will lift out. Whip off the air intake at the front of the car, fixed using those lovely little clips found all over your car. I use a screwdriver and a hammer. Two electrical plugs to the left of the fan shroud that need to come out, one small and one big. Big plug is in a little holder as well, lift that out, or smash it out like I did. Also remove the torx bit from the left of the shroud, and another clip on the right oddly, not a torx bit. Fan shroud should now lift out, pretty tight at the right but it comes out with a wiggle. Wise to undo the power steering fluid reservoir as it tends to get in the way. Two 13mm bolts and stick it to the right. Belts need to come off as well. Air-con needs to come off first, the tensioner has a dust cover that will pop off with a flat headed ‘driver. T50 torx will do it, turn clockwise (push down in this picture) and the belt will slip off. Similar process for the other belt, pop off the dust cover, but an 8mm hex rather than a torx. Again turn clockwise. Picture is deceiving, I used a breaker bar but apply steady pressure. The alternator is attached by two rather long 16mm bolts. The first of which goes through an idler, again with dust cover. This shouldn’t be too stiff, and is back to counter-clockwise like we know and love. The bottom bolt is tucked away so I used a small extension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike- Posted August 27, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2010 Cont'd Round the back of the alternator there is the positive plug held by a 13mm nut (bottom arrow) and another plug (top arrow) held by a plug with metal circlip. Undo both. Pull up to remove alternator, might need a breaker bar to get it off its bracket as mine did but shouldn’t be too hard. Also remove the air feed from the bottom of the back of the alt. Fitting is just the opposite, belts are a bit of a bitch to get seated right first time so have fun with that. Stand back and admire work. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo Posted August 27, 2010 Report Share Posted August 27, 2010 Excellent write up mate! Had mine replaced recently.. If I knew it was this easy I might have just done it myself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge- Posted August 27, 2010 Report Share Posted August 27, 2010 Mr DIY, check you out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike- Posted August 27, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2010 Good at DIY me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge- Posted August 27, 2010 Report Share Posted August 27, 2010 Where the hammer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike- Posted August 28, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2010 Hammer usage has been omitted due to professionalism. Also if anyone was wondering, the £124 delivered ones off eBay are the same as the RTX ones on ECP for £145. 12 month warranty too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
