E46 alternator removal problem [Archive] - Bimmerforums

nickxtsui

01-30-2012, 03:43 PM

hi Folks:
I am trying to remove the alternator from my 2001 E46 325CI

I have removed the idle pully, and I have removed the bottom 16mm bolt. (INDICATED IN THE FIRST PICTURE)

On the back of the alternator, I removed the positive cable, and the clip connector. (INDICATED IN THE 2ND PICTURE)

Bbut the alternator is still holding on the engine compartment bu something. The alternator can rotate about the bottom bolt which was already removed, but I cannot take the alternator off since it is holding so tight.

I am wondering. other than the top bolt, bottom bolt, back positive connector and back clip connector, anything else I should remove?

I borrowed some pictures to illustrate what I have removed. The 4 components circled in yellow in the pictures were all removed.
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/bs177/car11.png
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/bs177/car12.png

Thanks for the pictures to
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=422843 (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=422843)

Sorry, I got it.

Those are all I need to take off. But the bottom mounting is tight. You need to rotate the alternator up and down, especially alittle more down to let it released from the bottom mounting.

mbelden

01-30-2012, 04:14 PM

Nice job! Did you check your belt tension before deciding to change this (alternator) out? If it wasn't getting the proper tension, it may not have been charging properly!

radioactiveman

01-30-2012, 07:13 PM

There are only two bolts holding it on. Once you get it out you understand why it was stuck and you might actually have to grind the new one down a little to get it in easily. I've done three so I know what you're feeling.

Stick a pry bar or large screwdriver from the top between the alternator and block and give a good pull.

Crescent

01-30-2012, 07:20 PM

There are only two bolts holding it on. Once you get it out you understand why it was stuck and you might actually have to grind the new one down a little to get it in easily. I've done three so I know what you're feeling.

Stick a pry bar or large screwdriver from the top between the alternator and block and give a good pull.

+1 Pry bar will get it out. Just be mindful of what you are prying against.

White94RX

01-31-2012, 08:53 AM

No one mentioned how to get it back on! Stick the long bolt throught the front mounting hole, and into the nut in the back and tighten a few threads. Now hit the bolt with a hammer a few times. It will push the nut back in the housing a little bit, allowing the alternator to easily slide over the mount on the engine block.

radioactiveman

01-31-2012, 07:18 PM

No one mentioned how to get it back on! Stick the long bolt throught the front mounting hole, and into the nut in the back and tighten a few threads. Now hit the bolt with a hammer a few times. It will push the nut back in the housing a little bit, allowing the alternator to easily slide over the mount on the engine block.

The last one I did I ended up grinding down the alternator side a little bit. It was damn tight.

White94RX

02-01-2012, 08:46 AM

Yeah, well I would recommend my method over grinding down the alternator. All you need to do is push the nut back a little bit in the alternator and it will fit right in. When the bolt is tightened down, it will pull the nut forward some. That's why they're tight getting them off.

nickxtsui

02-04-2012, 01:41 PM

Nice job! Did you check your belt tension before deciding to change this (alternator) out? If it wasn't getting the proper tension, it may not have been charging properly!
Yea, I touch the belt, and it seemed petty tight. So I figure the alternator should rotate.

There are only two bolts holding it on. Once you get it out you understand why it was stuck and you might actually have to grind the new one down a little to get it in easily. I've done three so I know what you're feeling.

Stick a pry bar or large screwdriver from the top between the alternator and block and give a good pull.

Thanks. I finally got it off.

+1 Pry bar will get it out. Just be mindful of what you are prying against.
hum....maybe next time I do need a pry bar.....:rolleyes

No one mentioned how to get it back on! Stick the long bolt throught the front mounting hole, and into the nut in the back and tighten a few threads. Now hit the bolt with a hammer a few times. It will push the nut back in the housing a little bit, allowing the alternator to easily slide over the mount on the engine block.

It seemed I did not have a problem putting it back. I guess the new one has more space to fit on.