How to replace the alternator?

**slowss416** · 04-01-2008, 12:50 PM

well guys mines shot so im putting a new one on tomorrow. the car is a 2000 ls1 camaro. i searched but couldnt find a good writeup at all....any clue how to do this? i know its probably simple but count me clueless....thanks!!!

**lvbroham1** · 04-01-2008, 01:12 PM

It's not too bad if you have a jack and some simple tools it can be done in about an hour. Here's some advise in advance... Disconnect your battery. Lol!
Here's a step by step:
1. as said before disconnect the battery
2. remove all electrical connectors to the alternator
3. take off drive belt
4. Remove the two Alternator mounting bolts
5. If it's an A4, you need to move the tranny cooler lines
6. Do it all backwards
7. Start it up and watch your volts
8. If everythings good grab a case of beer and enjoy Lol!

**slowss416** · 04-01-2008, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by lvbroham1

It's not too bad if you have a jack and some simple tools it can be done in about an hour. Here's some advise in advance... Disconnect your battery. Lol!
Here's a step by step:
1. as said before disconnect the battery
2. remove all electrical connectors to the alternator
3. take off drive belt
4. Remove the two Alternator mounting bolts
5. If it's an A4, you need to move the tranny cooler lines
6. Do it all backwards
7. Start it up and watch your volts
8. If everythings good grab a case of beer and enjoy Lol!

What are electrical connectors to the alternator? as in battery cables? thanks man!

**Danger731** · 04-01-2008, 08:13 PM

There are two long bolts you need to get to from the front, on the rear is a smaller bolt that needs an extension and a swivel to get to. Remove these 3 bolts, lower it slightly and have a small flat blade screw driver handy to unclip the alternator electrical clip. Also you need to remove the large battery cable off the alternator. I cut the small wires going to my alternator and spliced in another 14 inches of wire so the next time it would be easier. I've replaced my alternator 5 times. There are 3 bolts not 2 as mentioned above.

**slowss416** · 04-01-2008, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by Danger731

There are two long bolts you need to get to from the front, on the rear is a smaller bolt that needs an extension and a swivel to get to. Remove these 3 bolts, lower it slightly and have a small flat blade screw driver handy to unclip the alternator electrical clip. Also you need to remove the large battery cable off the alternator. I cut the small wires going to my alternator and spliced in another 14 inches of wire so the next time it would be easier. I've replaced my alternator 5 times. There are 3 bolts not 2 as mentioned above.

So if i understand this: All i need to do is jack the car up, unplug the battery, the try and get the alternator belt off? then get the 2 bolts which are on the front of the alternator, then get the bolt on the back, the undo the clip?

**Danger731** · 04-01-2008, 08:27 PM

yep put a ratchet on the belt tensioner turn clockwise and the belt pops off, after the clip loosen the bolt holding the large wire to the alternator as well.

**slowss416** · 04-01-2008, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by Danger731

yep put a ratchet on the belt tensioner turn clockwise and the belt pops off, after the clip loosen the bolt holding the large wire to the alternator as well.

Well this is probably my dumbest question all day, but the alternator belt is the one running on the alternator? haha wow its late. then there will be a clip right by the belt?

**Danger731** · 04-01-2008, 10:18 PM

nope clip is on top of the alternator, you can't see it until removed and lowered.

**slowss416** · 04-02-2008, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by Danger731

nope clip is on top of the alternator, you can't see it until removed and lowered.

guys im almost there! but for the life of me i cant get that one back bolt outI know its a 13mm and ive tried everything but that sucker wont move and i cant even reach it right! any thoughts????