Hey guys,

had a search around, didnt really come up with much.

firstly, my problem. At low revs (below 800) the alternator lights comes on (the lower the revs the brighter the light). Once you go past approximately 1000rpm, the light goes off completely.

belts are good and tight, battery is only 6 months old. there is also a loud whining coming from the alternator, so yeah, its stuffed

question is, is there an *easy* way of replacing it. i looked up my gregorys and it says you need to remove the power steering pump, take the belt of etc etc. Is all this necessary (obviously need to LOOSEN belt)

By the by, its a i6, EF Falcon Futura

Thanks

I have removed and replaced my alternator twice in the last year!
It is a fairly easy job.First disconnect the battery. Disconnect the thermo fan wiring plugs (near the top radiator hose inlet) then undo the fan assembly bolts,one each side at the top (10mm I think).Remove the fan assembly - it should just lift straight up and out.
With the fan assembly out loosen the serpentine belt tension and remove the belt - you will need a 1/4 inch/6mm (I think) or similar square bar about 300mm to 500mm long with a 90 degree bend of about 10mm at one end to take tension off the belt.
With the fan assembly and belt removed the alternator can be removed easily.Unplug the wiring loom,undo the earth wire,undo and remove the two retaining bolts and the alternator pulls straight out.
Simply revers the procedure to install.
Are you getting a new or reconditioned alternator to put back in?
Hope this helps.

Well, I replaced mine without removing the fans or the power steering. Pull the belt to move the tensioner in and place a small socket I think about a 12 mm in the gap between the tensioner and a small stop. Pull the belt and watch the tensioner, youll find the spot on the right hand side. Revove the bolts from teh alternator, some are fun to get to and drop the alternator out of the bottom. Remember to disconnect the batery first. Toll me 30 minutes to R&R and that included splicing a new plug. All the best.. Marcus

Good idea about the socket "wedge" trick,but IMO it is still a heck of a lot easier to do the job with the fan assembly removed.It only takes an extra five minutes to remove and replace the assembly and gives a whole lot more clearance to get at the bottom alternator bolt then pull the alternator straight out and up.