Alternator removal

[beanmf]

'93 turbo. Top and bottom pivot bolts removed. Both electrical connectors removed. The alternator rotates back and forth on the parent bracket, but I can't find a way to get it away from that bracket so I can attempt lifting it up and out. I understand I may need to remove that bracket too, but first I need to get the alternator away to the side. I'm on my third day on this.

Suggestions please?

[jimi]

It's a bit difficult to explain, but I'll try my best
The alternator bracket has a top hat shaped bush on the side that the bottom pivot bolt goes through from. The bush is a sliding fit in the bracket and when you tighten the bolt it moves inwards and tightens onto the alternator, unfortunately they can corrode in the bracket over time, so when the bolt is slackened the bush doesn't move and stays tight to the alternator, making it difficult to remove (and refit) So in effect nothing other than friction is holding you alternator in place, try using a big screwdriver or pinch bar between the alternator and bracket to lever the alternator out while trying to keep it square in the gap.
BE VERY CAREFUL where you put pressure on the alternator, the end plates are alloy and can crack/break.
These pictures might help, arrows point to the bush

This is a MK1 bracket, different shape but uses a similar bush

MK1 Alt bracket.jpg (65.71 KiB) Viewed 368 times

Once you get it out remove the bracket and free off the bush, lubricate well before replacement

[beanmf]

Ah, the contracted state of the cradle is what I suspected. Very helpful to know about the bushings and fragility of the alternator (I already broke the tab off the 3-pin electrical connector). Thanks Jimi/ I'd been waiting for warmer weather to work on the car which has sat too long. It runs great but is beginning to show rust strakes

[beanmf]

After 4 hours, I managed to get the alternator free of the cradle. Two recommendations: (1) lie transversally with head against the wheel next the alternator and feet next the other wheel. Left hand goes rear of the cross member to the alternator and right hand goes up the other side of the cross member where there's more room. Wiggle the alternator up and down and _rearwards_. (2) with a stout 12" screwdriver lever next the inboard bushing at the bottom or the cradle.

I got stuck again on the bottom bolt of the cradle. I need a shorter cheater pipe extension. I'll cut one tomorrow.

[jimi]

Any progress is good the problem I had was not getting the alternator out, it was getting the new one in !
Took me a whlle to figure out why it wouldn't fit in the cradle, wasn't until I took the bracket off and looked closely that I found the bush problem.

[beanmf]

Yes, forewarned to assemble those two together on a trial basis for fitment before putting the alternator and C-bracket in the car. Thanks.

[beanmf]

Down to the last bolt on the C-bracket and I'm stuck again. This time on the lower bolt nearest the wheel. There doesn't really appear to be room for a socket or wrench as the transaxle is in the way plus the bolt is in a bit of a well on the C-bracket. I can't figure out how to post pictures on this forum or I'd show what I mean. Some have told me the C-bracket doesn't need to come out to remove the alternator - news to me.

[jimi]

Adding images to posts
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