how to replace alternator

Asked by JoeM Dec 29, 2006 at 12:49 AM about the 1997 Chevrolet Astro

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

removed belt, engine cover, and 2 front bolts and I'm stuck. Can't get alternator out. Can't find bolt in back- doe 97 have one? HELP

1 Answer

Yes Joe it appears there is a bolt on the back of the alternator. There are two ways to get to it. One is to remove the engine shroud in the passenger compartment and then unbolt the dipstick from the fire wall to gain access to the bolt. Or if you are lucky enough to have access to a lift one reported alternative says you can hoist the car and use an exceptionally long socket extension to access the bolts from underneath. One user reported being able to to coax out the bolt with some good old-fashioned creative contortion so you can just grab your wrench and give it a shot if you are so inclined. The point is that there is a bolt back there (allegedly 10mm). And as much as you might be inclined to skip replacing that bolt when you put in the new alternator you need to do it or you will invite a number of additional problems not too far down the road. Good luck!

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