I am #@%&'ed and determined to replace this @#&% alternator in my 99 Contour, but so far, it has been a disaster. (**sigh**). (No irreparable damage yet. Still, reminds me why I keep my day job.)
Just a couple questions.
1) I started easy and tried to remove the lower alternator bracket bolt (the one you have easy access to through the wheel-well). Well, I stripped it (rounded it). (Right tool, wrong technique.) Since I have exhausted my bag of tricks on this one, it occurred to me that I might be able just to cut the flared head off with a hack saw. I assume there are no threads in the bracket itself (cause if there were and I cut it off, Iā??d really be screwed.) With the head cut off, I figure I should be able to slide the bracket off once I get the other bolts out. The stripped bolt would then be easier to remove too. (Who sees the flaw in this approach, because, given my track record, Iā??m sure there is one.)
2) As I look ahead to removing the other alternator bolts... There are a couple of really useful write-ups on alternator removal in the CEG, but being a rank amateur, I sometimes have a hard time visualizing exactly what the writers are talking about. For example, one post implies that you access the upper alternator bolt by running a long socket wrench extension from the **drivers** side. Good grief, I will never be able to get my hands on a tool like that. Thereā??s got to be another way. Does an amateur weekend mechanic with a standard box of tools stand any chance of removing this bolt?
Seriously, any response would be appreciated.
