I think my alternator is on its last leg (it seems to be putting out 13.6-14.2v) and I want to be prepared to replace it when it finally kicks the bucket. Does anybody know an easy way to get to it (preferably w/ pics)? I've done a search on google and se-r.net and the only thing I've come up w/ is the water pump replacement procedure.

Thanks!

Michael.

Michael--

Easy, cheesy. You *can* get the alternator out without pulling any major components. I've had mine out 4 times (for various reasons), and have it down pat:

DISCONNECT the battery, first. Simple, but oh-so important. Then, disconnect the electrical connector on the alternator.

1. Remove coolant overflow bottle, disconnect line from radiator neck.
2. Loosen the alternator adjustment slider bolt, as well as disconnect the bolt that goes from the slider and into the upper part of the alternator. The slider is the adjustment lever that lets you loosen/tighten up the alternator's belt tension. It is a black slotted arm, on the 'front' of the alternator.
3. Underneath car, loosen the 'main' alternator bracket bolt, which goes through the alternator and into the engine block. 14 or 17mm, I can't remember which. Remove that bolt, and slide the alternator 'up' to get the pulley out from the belt. Leave the belt in.
4. Wiggle/wrestle/cajole the alternator up and out of the engine bay, pulling up where the coolant overflow bottle used to be.
5. Install is reverse of removal. Use the slider bolt to adjust the tension of the alternator belt once you've tightened down the 'big' bolt at the base of the alternator.

Hope this helps. Not extremely specific, but it's what I remember. :D

Thanks Greg! I knew there *had* to be an easier way than staring at it in awe. :)

I thought about removing the coolant reservoir bottle to gain access, but I was unsure if the opening would be large enough. The last time I removed stuff to get to an item (on another vehicle), I went in the wrong direction. I'll give it a shot this weekend (or if the alternator kicks the bucket before then).

Michael.

So did you manage to get it out the top *WITHOUT* removing the radiator hose?! thought I remembered having to do that.

Had the alt' die in the wife's NX last week (around 145K mi) leaving us stranded at a hotel. Long story. big PITA.

-Wayne

Heh... I called the dealer for the price and availability for a new alternator yesterday and it's $206 - egads! Usually, I wouldn't fuss too much about it and just get one, but I'm already down $180 for new tires and another $100 or so for balance/mount and an alignment when they come in.

I'm gonna try and hold off replacing the alternator as long as possible. The battery & brake lights haven't come on since Fri night. It puts out between 13.6-14.2v so I guess I'm still kosher for a while.

Michael.

When things break down in my cars, they seem to break down all at the same time. My real name must be Murphy.

Try to find a local automotive electrical shop around, and see what kind of deals they have. My friend's family own a local shop here and they have much better prices than those of the dealership. True the alternators are rebuilts but most shops will offer up at least a year guarantee. I think, IIRC, I got a rebuilt alty for less that $100, but I think I may have also got the family discount. :D

>called the dealer for the price ... for a new alternator
>yesterday and it's $206 - egads!

List on one for our '93 was $230 (or about $172 from Courtesy or other discounted place)

>I'm already down $180 for new tires and another $100 for >balance/mount I'm gonna try and hold off replacing
>the alternator as long as possible.

You can try a DIY rebuild, too. It's about $50 for two new bearings and the brushes.

-Wayne

You guys can get a used alternator from Andreas Miko in Miami. PM or email him for the price (in case it's gone up since I bought one last year). I got mine in about 3 days (he had them in stock), and it works like a champ.

And yes, on my B13 I can get the alt out without removing the upper radiator hose. Just *barely*.

-GP-

Welp, methinks my alternator kicked the bucket. The battery and brake lights are on permanently and it registers 11.8-12.5v. Certainly made my ride to and from work interesting (had my g/f follow me home w/ jumper cables just in case).

I ordered a remanufactured one from Courtesy for $189 + core. I also went ahead and opted for the "rush delivery" for a "low price" of $25. It better be at the dealer tomorrow. I thought about re-building one from a salvage yard or contacting Andreas, but I need it ASAP. If I got one sooner (and I should have!!!), then I probably would have gone w/ one of those routes.

Anyway, thanks to everybody for all the help and advice. Damn, it's an expensive month for me. :(

Michael.

Thanks for the replies!

I finally got around to replacing the alternator ... I bought a ProStart for $109 + the core. Works perfectly!

I just did my alternator for the third time in like 4 years. There is no way in hell you gonna get your alternator out of a NX without removing the elbow and the hose. If you can wiggle it out I will call you next time I get locked up! Cause there is no way in hell it can be wiggled out.

Originally posted by Pretty White
I just did my alternator for the third time in like 4 years. There is no way in hell you gonna get your alternator out of a NX without removing the elbow and the hose. If you can wiggle it out I will call you next time I get locked up! Cause there is no way in hell it can be wiggled out.

Ditto, Ian. Its impossible to get the alty out of an NX...its just way too tight. Gotta remove the upper radiator hose :mad: