I just replaced the alternator on my B14. This was the original part with 135k miles that I took off the OEM low port when I did the swap. Yosho, thank you for the great tips! Dave, thanks for your help and the garage!
I did the following steps. The use of a stubby wrench will help a lot with the ground (negative cable) on the Alt.
- Front splash guard (under front bumper) removed
- Relocated coolant resvoir
- Removed coolant bracket
- Removed negative battery cable
- Removed Adjuster bracket
- Loosened Alt Pivot Bolt
- Removed Belt
- Disconnected positive and negative wires on Alt
- Disconnected AC cable in same bundle
- Removed passenger side light bulb
- Removed all remaining Alt bolts
- Removed Alt up out out of engine bay with pully facing slightly up and toward passenger side. Positive screw on side near passenger light.
- Required a decent amount of force against frame and radiator hose, but did not damage with the exception of a few scrapes.
- Threw old Alt in front yard with great force
- Repeated all but last step in reverse for reinstall
I used a Nissan remanufactured Alternator from the local dealer. Price was a steep $160+tax.
The sticker states it was rebuilt by Hitachi, so at least I know it's OEM quality. I don't want to do this job again, so I bent over and did it. Replacing this 4 or more times (with the crap you might get from Pep Boys or similar parts stores with extended or lifetime warranties) is of no interest to me.
In keeping with this spirit of this thread, I will not post pics
