How do you replace an alternator on a 2003 Mazda tribute v6?

Answer 1

First off this is not an easy job. Safety first disconnect the battery. Vehicle should be up on a rack to get to everything. when it is up in the air remove the inner fender plastic and the plastic cover behind the alternator. Next move the tensioner and remove the belt. Remove the bolt from the lower ball joint then remove the cotter pin and nut off of the tie rod end. You will need a ball joint fork and a hammer to release the ball joint and tie rod end. Remove the center nut from the hub holding the axle in. There are two nuts holding the axle carrier in remove those to remove the axle. Remove the two bolts holding the lower control arm then remove the control arm and axle. Once that is done you can remove the three bolts holding the alternator. You need a long extension and a swivel socket to get to the bolts. You need to be underneath and come in above the crossmember to reach the top bolt and the lower inner bolt. The lower outer bolt you can get from the outside through the fender. Once the alternator is loose disconnect the wires on the back of it. This is tough to wiggle around but you can get to them. The nut holding the hot wire on the back is a 10mm be careful not to break the plug in connection when you unplug that. When that is done push the alternator up and out of the way. there are three bolts holding the alternator bracket on. You must remove those and then the bracket in order to get the alternator out. With some twisting and turning it should come out through the hole where the axle was. That is the removal process. It is a major pain in the butt. I am a professional auto tech and I just did one today. I really hope I never do another. To replace it you really need to follow the directions in reverse. I would really suggest taking it to the dealer or a garage that you trust. This is a tough job. The engineer of this system should be clubbed and caged for this brilliant idea. This is the worst I have changed to date and I have done hundreds. If you attempt it at home be careful and take your time.

I have replaced my alternator 4 times. Lucky me. This description is very accurate, but the last three times I have been able to replace it without removing the ball joint, or tie rod end or lower control arm. I just remove the two 18mm bolts from the bottom of the strut and swing the wheel bearing assembly down and out barely far enough to remove the axle. It is tight but with a little wiggling you can save a lot of work.

Just did this today on a 02 Tribute. I too was able to remove it without removing the ball joint, or tie rod end or lower control arm. Deff. a pain to wiggle out and back in, way harder than it should be. With the right tools I was able to do this in about 4 1/2 hrs (uninstall and reinstall).

Just finished changing one out and it can be removed from the top. It takes some will along with some twisting and turning but it will fit through. Saves a ton of work.

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I was going to try it but I saw a different suggestion and tried it. You can remove the alternator at the top.

Take out the right wheel and turn it all the way right. Then remove the crankshaft and a/c cover so you can remove the serpentine belt. remove the plastic cover behind the alternator. use a small pry bar. remove the 3 bolts from the alternator . 2 at the bottom and one at the top. patience here. the angle of this bolts are f!#$@#!in stupid. dish out some swear words if necessary. remove the wiring of course.

At the top, remove the black plastic cylinder kind of shape like a football at the firewall. disconnect the vacuum tube from the intake going to the brake booster (set aside to the left ). on top of the cylinder is the computer remove the two bolts and pull the computer about 1.5 inch. This is only for clearance. place a drain pan under the crank pulley . You're about to spill whatever is in the p/s reservoir. Disconnect the Power Steering (P/s) hose from the top of the p/s pulley. 18 to turn and 19mm open wrench to hold it down and snake down and to the left. you might need a new o- ring to reinstall this hose.

Get a foam cover to lay face down on top of the engine. near halfway now. Reach down and find a way to pull the alternator out. It might be helpful if you have someone to help you push it up from the bottom.

It took me 5 hours mostly because of trying to figure things out and having to go and buy the alternator. I bet it can be done in 2.5 hours. Good Luck.