Alternator Bolt - Bottom

[SpyderJoe]

All,
What is the best way to remove the bottom alternator bolt? I was able to remove the nut off the backside of the bottom bolt but the bolt will not come loose. I can get a 19mm socket on the bolt head and it will turn with a breaker bar.. The whole bolt turns but it doesn't seem like it is moving outwards. Any ideas?

Thanks.

[So Cal Mark]

time for a hammer, preferably brass so you don't damage the end of the bolt

[SpyderJoe]

Mark,
judging by your response, the bolt isn't threaded thru the alternator. I will put the nut back on the end and then give it a few whacks and see what happens. If I do mess the threads up a little, at least i can back the bolt back off...hopefully....

[So Cal Mark]

no, it's not threaded into the alternator, hence the nut. When you re-install it, coat the bolt with anti-seize

[stefhahn]

Watch out! If your alternator is still in the car and - some IPO (idi*t previous owner) did install a bolt being too long you may destroy your radiator - had that, been there, costy. If the radiator is out anyway, pls ignore
ciao,
Stefan

[mbouse]

it's a lot easier if the bolt is inserted from the other side of the alternator, with the nut on the front side. that way, the radiator does not need to be removed in order to get the alternator out.

that is, if you can remember to do so when you putter back in

[mdrburchette]

I don't suppose putting it in the other way poses a problem for an alternator mounted on the left side of the engine, does it. I can tell you it does NOT work on an early model car with the alt on the right side. The motor mount gets in the way to pull the bolt out.

[manoa matt]

I've seen two different lengths of those bolts, One size is just short enough so when the head of the bolt touches the radiator the alternator can come out. The other one is slightly longer and must be installed from the rear, unless the radiator is removed.