Did that already not very helpful for removing the alternator but was insightful for several things we had to remove.
Replaced it today, and there are three options:
1. Pull the Motor (NO WAY!!!)
2. Remove water pump, discharge air conditioning system, remove hoses and mounted Reservoirs, take off guards and guides, and force it through the opening you have. (This would take longer than a bottom removal, and requires new gasket for water pump and recharge of air conditioning).
3. From the bottom (the choice we went with); Disassemble the spindle from lower control arm, tie rod, and remove drive shaft. From the top unattach the power steering Reservoir and wire guides from the inner fender and twist to the right out of the way. Remove the serpentine belt, and undo the upper two mounting bolts on the alternator(the upper and lower bolts are 13mm center is 18mm). Before removing the lower bolt remove the wires. two are on a plug, and one is bolted on(I think it was a 10mm nut). Pull alternator down through and then reverse the process.
We did this with the car up on two jack stands on the right side (passenger side) of the car. It took about an hour and 15 minutes(with two People gabbing incessantlyand using air tools working on it). If you are not familiar with how to disassemble the spindle from lower control arm, tie rod end and drive shaft refer to either Chilton or Haynes manual for 1996 - 1999 Mercury Sable / Ford Taurus as you will need to use a long pry bar, a heavy hammer and possibly a pickle fork.
Best of luck!!!! :lol:
Jan 22, 2006 at 12:48 AM
