Alternator Replacement?

[blade34609]

Hi,

I have a 1990 Honda Civic LX and I am going to replace my alternator with a new one.
I was told it is easy to take off the old one and put a new one on.
But the problem is with the honda engine bay is very small to get to the alternator.
I am going to replace it hopefully tommorow.
I have the Haynes manaul on how to do this and it seems pretty str8 forward.

Thanks,
Owen

[4-Door Flunky]

It seems straightforward, but it's actually a wrestling match.
One fellow here recommends taking out the driver's side axle. Which does make it easy, but if you've just bought the car, then that axle nut is probably really tight. I had to go to a shop and let a friendly guy with an air impact loosen mine.
I changed my alternator without doing that. It's easy to get the alternator off. What's hard is getting the old one out of the engine bay and the new one in. It took me an hour.
Another fellow here says it's easy if you take off the splash guard and remove the alternator bracket as well.
I didn't do either of those things, just wrestled, swore, and nearly gave up. Be prepared for the $100 (Autozone) price of a new alternator, and a $50 core charge.
And don't believe everything you read in those manuals. Sometimes there's a much easier way than the one they suggest.
There are numerous threads dealing with this topic. Check 'em out, and good luck.
Flunky
PS-Welcome. You made a good choice for your new ride. Exactly like mine. You can see it under the 'Pix of My LX' thread.

[4-Door Flunky]

Hey, Blade!
I found this gem at the end of another post on this topic. It says:

Wait I have a 91 hatch and I have found a really easy way to get this out. All you have to do is disconnect the alternator drop it down onto the engine bay and slide on the bottom of the engine bay from the drivers side to the passengers side. It then just slimply slipping it out from around the hoses and then you got it.
(that was by 91Bluedx)
Give it a shot!
Flunky