Alternator removal issue

VVOSEN

MEMBER
1993 FORD F-150
6 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

It's pretty rusty, and I'm trying to remove the alternator from its cradle. But the pivot bolt, which is 4 or 5 inches long, doesn't give me room to bring it out.

So, what am I missing, my repair manual doesn't mention needing anything but a socket wrench to remove the two bolts to remove my alternator?

Furthermore, it's so rusty it won't really budge. There's no nut on the backside of the alternator, and it's not really backing out very much. And the cradle pivot bolt is even more awkward behind a belt wheel.

Lastly, I'm wondering if there are even any threads on the lower pivot bolt of the alternator, and a breaker bar will never back it out, because I need to beat on it.

I need your help getting it out.
-=V

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

The shorter bolt that goes to the alternator should be threaded. Is that giving you trouble?

The longer one should have a nut on the rear of the bracket it mounts to should be threaded.

If you have the shorter one removed and the lower one has been loosened, take a rubber mallet and tap the alternator back and forth. It should break free. It's likely corroded (aluminum and steel).

If possible, take a couple of pics so I can see exactly what is happening.

Let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, February 19th, 2022 AT 3:46 PM

VVOSEN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The pictures didn't show up, it's dark and there's not much room in there.
So, I kind of figured I was going to have to knock the bolt out, because it seized in the middle on the aluminum part. What i'm kind of wondering though is the pivot mount holes threaded for the bolt that's in it, so I could knock it out. Because it's heavily corroded a breaker bar won't free it. Barely turns it, and the lock bolt was heavily corroded and frozen until I was able to unscrew it by hand.

But just hitting may help (not much room though). I love my Ford, please help.

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Saturday, February 19th, 2022 AT 8:43 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

The bolt that is causing trouble is likely corroded. In this case, I would spray it and the mount down with a good penetrating fluid. Allow it to sit for a bit. Then, take your wrench and slowly work the bolt out. When doing this, work it back and forth (out/in) a little at a time. Spray it on and off when doing this.

By working it back and forth, it helps prevent build-up in the threads of the bolt and is more likely to come out before it breaks.

Let me know if that helps.

Joe

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Saturday, February 19th, 2022 AT 9:20 PM