All the manuals don't say anything about removing the power steering pump but I can't see how the alt can be removed without getting the PS pump off. Is it a must to remove the PS pump or is there some trick to leaving it on?

 

PS pump can be removed and set just behind cylinder head. Reservoir must be released from the pump and hose& pump ends plugged to prevent drainage. You'll lose a little PS fluid when you break the connection, so have a paper towel handy to catch. I use paper towel to plug the openings. Not a great plug but better than leaving open.

Adjustment bolt, lock nut on alternator is a challenge to reach. I've had luck w/ an offset 12mm wrench or 1/4" ratchet using a 1/4x3/8 adapter and 3/8 drive-12mm socket to get just enough extension w/o running into frame.

good luck

 

Ugh! I'll tell you how it goes. Thanks.

 

Well, got it all changed out and I ended up just disconnecting the PS pump without removing the hoses and that seemed to give me enough room. I also needed to disconnect the cruise control tower which was really easy. All in all once I saw how the adjusters for the belt tensioning worked it worked out rather well.

The old alt put out 13.5 volts and the rebuilt one puts out 14.66 volts. It seems to be there was some sort of diode issue in the old one and for the $83 I spent on the rebuilt one I think it was worth it. Now my battery light is not flickering on anymore.

 

Thanks for the followup.

Confused. Did you leave the PS fluid reservoir attached to the PS pump?

regards

 

No, the reservoir is separate and not directly connected to the pump except by hoses. The hoses allowed me enough flexibility to just rest the pump up on top of the mounting bracket. The cruise control tower was just shifted a little and that was all I needed to get my socket in there. I also used some box wrenches to help turn some of the bolts.

All in all, not bad for the stock alternator...........257,000 miles