alternator, alternator, alternator

[Joshy]

i've been having electrical issues for a while now in my CB (battery light, lights dimming, overall loss in power in higher RPMs)
and after doing searches and research on my symptoms, i'm positive its with the alternator - furthermore, i've prety much narrowed it down to the brushes.

i'm in college and away from home, but i'm going back this weekend to do the job. i will be able to pick up a bursh kit from my local honda dealer.


now, here are the issues:

-i'm a noob at auto repair and this is going to be my first real hack into components and stuff; but i feel like i'm ready and can totally handle it.. (i didn't have anyone around to help with auto stuff growing up. my dad just brings everything to a mechanic to get worked on, and i don't want to end up like that. i like getting dirty and fuck with shit! i want to be able to move into the bigger stuff, eventually, and so this is a stepping stone towards that goal.)

-i'd like some feedback as to making this job easier for a noob like me while at the same time SUCCESSFUL.. so i guess, what do i have to remove to have sufficent space in working in that area in order to easily remove the alternator? (yeah, power steering pump and drivebelts.

-some guidance from your collective success in doing this. what should i do, and what SHOULDNT i do. what should i watch out for?

-how exactly do you remove the belts once the tensioner has been loosened up? i tried doing this last weekend but couldnt figure out exactly how to remove the belts.


please help!

[ExplodingCake]

cant help u on this one , but this idea might help..

get a Haynes or Chilton manual , it will tell u everything. good luck

[djcaz_aom]

I second the Haynes manual. If your not able to do so, then here goes:

1. Disconnect the Negative battery terminal. If you have a sstock radio, youneed the security code, if not no radio.

2. Disconnect the wire leads to the alternator. 8mm I believe.

3. Loosen and remove the bolt just in front of the alternator. 12mm

4. Loosen the alternator bracket bolt. 14 mm

5. Loosen the tensioner bolt on the alternator. It is on the side, in front of the radiator. There are 2 bolts; 1 for the little bracket, the other for the tensioner.

6. Repeat steps 4-5 for the powersteering pump. You can now remove the power steering belt.

7. Remove the alternator belt.

8. Remove the bolt that hold the tensioner bracket in place.

9. Remove the alternator bracket bolt, and out comes the alternator.

Hope this helps. If I forgot a step, someone please fill it in.

[quacky]

It's not hard at all man. My first time i did it, it took me about 2hours tops and i thought it was pretty easy. I had my Haynes manual to guide me along and used everyday tools to get through it. The most important thing is to make sure you disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before doing anything. Just pace yourself, it's cake.

Edit: oh wait, you mentioned brush kit. Are you planning on rebuilding the alternator? I don't think that procedure is outlined in the manuals, but IMHO, it's probably just easier to take out the old alternator and take it up to your parts store as a core exchange for a unit that's already rebuilt.