Alternator Replacement

**79Firebird_99TA** · 06-19-2012, 06:55 PM

I've swapped my alternator 3 times during the life of my car. I think that I cuss more each time that I do it. What were the GM engineers thinking when they designed it where you have to remove the bracket along with the alternator? Tonight I swapped it out - but this time left the rear bolt off. Anyone else just leave that rear bolt off?

***SMWS6TA*** · 06-20-2012, 11:47 AM

3 times = wow.

Is it the PS pump killing it (leaking on top of the alternator)?

No I haven't tried leaving the bolt out. I just cuss and make vulgar threats to GM engineers that design this.

**Smittro** · 06-20-2012, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

3 times = wow.

Is it the PS pump killing it (leaking on top of the alternator)?

No I haven't tried leaving the bolt out. I just cuss and make vulgar threats to GM engineers that design this.

It's called the remanned blues..

jk

As long as the Alt does'nt vibrate as this is'nt good you can get away with it.

If the alt vibrates it will die quicker than before and possibly kick off the belt..

Personally if it was there b4 I'd put it back..

Take it from someone whom has changed the hardest altenator on the planet... LQ1

**FinZ28** · 06-20-2012, 05:46 PM

I did an alternator about once a year on my '94 Camaro 3.4. Gotta love remanufactured parts. On the other hand, it was a breeze to change since it was on top instead of the bottom.

**Y2KArcticSS** · 06-20-2012, 06:06 PM

I'm on my 3rd, but I also have 227k miles. Wifey's little hands are...well, handy

the last one I got was supposed to be a remannned, but a new AC Delco may have 'accidentally' made it into my box.

Handy hands, no nails were harmed during installation...

Sent using my telèfono

**pajeff02** · 06-20-2012, 06:17 PM

Swap out your K-member for a UMI tubular one and it'll make the next alternator change much easier.

**JayTA98** · 06-20-2012, 07:04 PM

I have swaped 5 so far in the life of the car. The last 2 I took off the rear bolt and bracket. Haven't noticed any issues.

**2002ssslp** · 06-20-2012, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by Y2KArcticSS

I'm on my 3rd, but I also have 227k miles. Wifey's little hands are...well, handy

the last one I got was supposed to be a remannned, but a new AC Delco may have 'accidentally' made it into my box.

Handy hands, no nails were harmed during installation...

Sent using my telèfono

Nice nails

**Smittro** · 06-21-2012, 12:57 AM

You guys don't even want to know (you can see it's location in my avatar) about LQ1 Alt changes..

You can't see the alt with engine in place.

It's bracketing is incoorperated with the trany/motor mount between the fire wall, trany, and engine.

Only way to even see it is to remove the inner fender well then pull the passenger axle,

and detach the strut to get it unbolted, then it comes out where the axle was.

The only thing to grab onto is the Alt pulley which of course wants to turn on you.

Almost all of it's bolts are "blind" and would seem GM had children working the Canadian lines as those seem to be the size hands you need to get it out..

I'll gladly install your LS1 alt if you'll do mine..thanks..lol