Replace Alternator _ what is the real trick

2003 Pontiac Montana

So I have been searching in this forum and other google searches and there is a mix of tricks to getting the Alternator out of a Montana :banghead: Like, do you actually "HAVE TO" remove the motor mounts and pivot the engine forward, or is there some other tricks that work really well.

Can anyone share there own personal success in getting the Alternator out of a Montana.

thanks a bunch

2003 Pontiac Montana

So I have been searching in this forum and other google searches and there is a mix of tricks to getting the Alternator out of a Montana :banghead: Like, do you actually "HAVE TO" remove the motor mounts and pivot the engine forward, or is there some other tricks that work really well.

Can anyone share there own personal success in getting the Alternator out of a Montana.

thanks a bunch

I think you will find that it is easier to get at the alternator by rolling the engine forward. It's really no big thing. I tied the engine off with a piece of 2,000 lb nylon rope pulled the cross bolts out, and removed the mounts so it would roll forward (about 20 minutes).

Then I could reach everything in back including the plugs, coil packs and (although I haven't done it yet), the alternator to loosen the bolts and drop it out. It's a bit of a PITA, but if you don't do it this way EVERYTHING will get in your way, including the firewall.

So I finally tackled this job......The trick is to remove the Power Steering Pump and Wiper Motor

Here is the rough order of steps:


Remove Serpentine Belt

Remove two top motor mounts and roll engine forward with tie down or ratchet strap to gain better access to rear bolts on Alternator (be sure to remove the Mass Air Assembly and associated ductwork and be carefull not to break the throttle cable)

Disconnect Linkage to Windshield Wiper Motor Transmission and swing arm out of the way
Remove the Windshield Wiper Motor

Remove 3 bolts that secure the Alternator and set Alternator aside (cause it ain't going anywhere just yet anyway)

Remove Belt Tensioner and Bracket (combo Alternator and Belt Tensioner Bracket)

Remove Power Steering Pump ( a little tricky but it will wrestle up and over to make room)

Pull out Alternator


and then Reinstall via the reverse order

So I finally tackled this job......The trick is to remove the Power Steering Pump and Wiper Motor

Here is the rough order of steps:


Remove Serpentine Belt

Remove two top motor mounts and roll engine forward with tie down or ratchet strap to gain better access to rear bolts on Alternator (be sure to remove the Mass Air Assembly and associated ductwork and be carefull not to break the throttle cable)

Disconnect Linkage to Windshield Wiper Motor Transmission and swing arm out of the way
Remove the Windshield Wiper Motor

Remove 3 bolts that secure the Alternator and set Alternator aside (cause it ain't going anywhere just yet anyway)

Remove Belt Tensioner and Bracket (combo Alternator and Belt Tensioner Bracket)

Remove Power Steering Pump ( a little tricky but it will wrestle up and over to make room)

Pull out Alternator


and then Reinstall via the reverse order

I did mine in a 2002 Olds Silhouette, 125amp alternator without rotating the engine or removing the power steering pump. I did remove the windshield washer reservoir tho..

Also I removed my windshield wipers as a complete unit.. wipers & arms off, linkage and motor out in one peice.. Removed battery.

Wasn't that hard at all. One bolt on the back was a little tricky and make sure you remember which bolt goes where, different lengths, and one bolt on the back side of the alternator needs to be put in before you install it or it's coming out again ;)

Cheers !