another 355 alternator thread...

Well, I went and changed the alternator last night. I haven't been able to drive the car for the last couple of months anyway (due to time constraints). I was perusing ebay the other day, and there was an auction for a rebuilt F355 alternator for about $220. I pulled the trigger on it, and when I went to pay for it...I noticed the seller was about 10 blocks from me here in the san Fernando valley.

To make a long story short, I decided to just go the next day and pick it up. The place is Eagle Auto Electric in Northridge. It's a real brick and mortar alternator shop that's been in business since 1989. He rebuilds everything in house. He took me in the back and showed me his rebuild process. Mine has genuine Nippondenso rebuild parts, on a Brazilian case. Thing looks brand new...for $220 with no core charge. I have nothing but good things to say about this guy.

Anyway, last night, after reading about all of you guys just rebuilding it in place, I was worried about swapping it out.

I feel as though a lot of this is unwarranted. It took me about 2 hours to get it done, and I didn't have to cut any belts or anything.

1. Turn off the battery disconnect.
2. Jack the car up and remove the undershields.
3. Unplug the 3 pin connector, disconnect the ground strap (if you have one...which you should), and undue the last wire.

4. Release the tension by turning the tensioner bolt. You won't be able to slip the belt off at this stage, so don't even bother trying. You will get irritated and think that you have to cut it.

5. Undue the 17mm Nut on the lower alternator bolt. This requires a large allen wrench, or a pair of vice grips to hold the bolt from turning.

6. The "dreaded" upper bolt. Yes...this is tricky, but can be done. I undid mine in about 15 minutes...most of the time was blindly figuring out how it was up there.

You will need a 3/8 drive ratchet, a universal joint, 2 six inch extensions, and a 17mm socket, and a 17mm box end wrench.

Don't bother trying to access this bolt from right behind the alternator...use the extensions to move the ratchet back about a foot, where you have access.

If you have small hands, you can access the front nut, via in front of the alternator. wiggle the box end wrench up there, and get it on the nut. If you can get it on there, you're pretty good to go. the wrench won't move, due to a lack of space.

Next, put the socket on the bolt through the frame area, about a foot behind the alternator. the universal joint will help you here. It should go on fairly easy.

Mine was torqued pretty snuggly, but I was able to get it off with out much trouble.

One you get that bolt off, you will be able to move the alternator upward, giving you plenty of clearance to get that belt off.

You will have to be clever with getting the alternator out. It was a snuggly fit, but with turning it just the right way, it will come out from between the subframe and engine.

All in all, this was not a tough job at all...now that I've done it, I'm certain I could get it done in under an hour.

If you have questions or want pictures, let me know.