How hard is it to take out and install a new alternator on a 1990 ford taurus 3.0 V6. My mom's just went out and she can't afford to get a mechanic to do it, so my best friend is going to try to get the old one out and reinstall the new one for her.
2006-08-09 12:56:45 · 5 answers · asked by urangel4life2006 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Not terribly complex, but a bit difficult.
Be sure to disconnect the battery's ground cable before starting.
Everything necessary is pretty much nuts & bolts. The difficulty comes with the belts, as there is very little clearance between the pulleys and the right fender shield. Make it easier by removing the windshield washer/coolant reservoir. It will give you a great deal more room to both see what you are doing, as well as getting your hands in there. it will also make it easier to take out the long mounting/pivot bolt.
When you replace it, be certain to get the belt tight so that it won't squeal, but don't get it so tight that you cause bearing failure in the alternator and water pump. About 3/4' deflection (at the longest section of belt) should be about right.
If you have a battery charger, the time to recharge it is while you are doing the repair. That way you don't have to wait to start it.
2006-08-09 13:06:39 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How To Install An Alternator
2016-10-04 06:26:55 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An alternator shouldn't be too hard to replace. Each vehicle is a little different, but some basic rules apply.
Make sure you buy the right one for your year & model.
1st, disconnect the battery - Very important!
Disconnect all wires from the old alternator. You should be able to just pull off the connectors.
Loosen all retaining bolts. On many models, you should then be able to pivot the alternator enough to slip the drive belt off the pulley.
Finish removing bolts & then remove the old alternator.
Installing the new alternator is basically a reversal of these steps.
Finally, you should consider buying a repair manual, since there are differences between vehicle models & years. A manual costs less than what most mechanics charge for labor.
2006-08-09 13:27:53 · answer #3 · answered by WillyC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Should not be hard at all.
Go to the library, borrow a Chilton's and/or Haynes repair manual for that year and model, and Xerox the appropriate pages. Total investment - less than $5 in copier expenses.
Probably the most important thing is to disconnect the battery before you remove anything else - first take off the red (hot) lead, then the black (ground) cable. That way you won't have any unplanned electrical damage.
You should also replace the V-belt (or serpentine belt) at the same time - that will save you from having to do it again if the old one breaks.
Good luck.
Below is a link to FordForums.com - go to the 'Forums' and register so you can search. They have Q&A sections by car model, as well as engine and subsystem (electrical, body, etc.)
2006-08-09 13:11:05 · answer #4 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don,t know about a Taurus. Ive put them in my PU,s for years. It,s not that hard. But they can be a pain. If you haven't checked the wiring do. I could be loose wiring and not the alternator. If it,s like my 1990 Ford PU. some bolts a standard and some are or metric. You may need two sets of wrenches. The second thing is to make sure you know where all the wires go on the alternator. So you can put them back in the same place!!!! Save all nuts, and lock washers, and flat washers. Most replacement alternator's don't come with them. Take the old altermator with you, and make shure everything is the same. Don't be suprised if you have to take brackets, or other things off to get alternator out. I hope it comes rigth out for you, but sometimes they don't. Hope this along with other people's help will get this changed out for your mom.
2006-08-09 13:30:57 · answer #5 · answered by Jim O 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Disconnect battery. Not a must but I have had a shock before. Pull off the connectors that connect to the alternator. Take the belt off and then the bolts that hold the alternator in place. Usually its 2 but sometimes there could be 3. Take it out and bolt the new one in. Tork it on there good. Put the belt back on and connectors. Battery cable on and start it. If you use a good size screw driver that would be good to use on the serpentine belt tension er. To pull that up and yank the belt out.
2006-08-09 13:06:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
On a level 1 easy to 10 hard it's a 3. A few bolts and a few whires. Just remember to put the belt back on.
2006-08-09 13:01:43 · answer #7 · answered by Nightmare 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure about that specific model, but alternators aren't usually to bad to replace. When you pick up your new one at the parts store, pick up a Chilton's manual (or go read that section at the book store). You should be able to do it in 2 hours or so.
2006-08-09 13:01:56 · answer #8 · answered by Stu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like the first answer get a manual. The serpentine belt is on a tensioner and you have to find out how to put slack in that. This would be a good time to replace it if needed. Make damn sure to dis connect the battery.
2006-08-09 13:03:45 · answer #9 · answered by honda guy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get a car repair manual
2006-08-09 13:01:06 · answer #10 · answered by Justin E 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋