how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find.

[london96td]

Hey everyone, I found out the other day that my car's alternator bearings are shot. The plan is to replace it with a used one I'm planning on purchasing. Now the question is how do I remove it? I've tried removing it and after taking off the belt I noticed there's a metal tubing sort of thing which goes right in front. Possibly from an A/C I'm assuming? It's almost right against the alternator and I'm afraid of moving it. How do you remove the actual alternator without damaging anythign else? I've read whateer I can get my hands on in regards to this and I  have  yet to find an answer.


If anyone can shed some light on this it would be awesome as you could be saving me $200+ as I have to do this procedure from a parts car which is 2 hrs away.

Thanks.
'

[8v-of-fury]

A picture really is worth a thousand words.

The alternator should only be held in by two bolts. Not the hardest thing to take off, but your description I cannot fathom lol.

[CRSMP5]

what car, engine, ac or not helps...

[london96td]

The car is a 96 Golf TD with an AAZ Motor in it. Unfortunately I don't have a camera here to take a picture. It's basically a metalic tube which runs in front of the alternator, under the air filter holder to the back of the engine compartment on the passenger side. The car does have AC.

[shwak23]

Try undoing the two bolts holding the alternator on and then using your hand you'll want to just pull the alternator out........ Done.

Sent from my DROID X2

[dieselweasel]

Sounds like an a/c line going to the expansion valve.  Shouldn't have to disconnect it. Need to be gentle with a/c lines but they're not made of glass so you can bend them a bit.  Should be able to remove two bolts holding alternator on, then gently pry the alternator from its mounts.  I have a 94 Jetta that should have the same setup...I'll take a peek under the hood this weekend to see if there's anything else you need to be aware of.  

[R.O.R-2.0]

there are 2 bolts holding it on, its probably one of the more simple things to change, on the whole car..

remove drive belt, pull those 2 bolts holding it on, and pull the wiring off the back, then remove the alternator from the engine.

done deal.. its really THAT simple.

the a/c line is flexible, and you can move it out of the way temporarily..

[dieselweasel]

Yes it is simple.  I checked and there is a screw holding the rigid section of the a/c line to the body.  Remove that screw and the a/c line will flex out of the way.