Talley

Just found out that I have a bad alternator on my 2WD 1994 Pathfinder. I shouldn't complain since it lasted over 262,000 miles. Are any special tools required to replace it or is it a relatively simple process.

I'm not very mechanically inclined, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

GrayBeard

Here's what you do.

1) Take out the battery (This will make access much easier)
2) Drain the radiator (Your'e going to have to remove the hose above the alternator and don't want to douse the alternator)
3) Remove the radiator hose (At this mileage you should probably get all new hoses)
4)The alternator is now before you.
5)Loosen the tensioner nut at the front of the alternator bracket
6)Loosen the alternator and remove the belt (Get a new belt)
7)Take the tensioner nut free so that the alternator swings easily
8)Remove the nut holding the Red wire
9)Remove the nut holding the black wire
10)Pull the wire plug from the top rear of the alternator
11)unbolt the alternator and remove

Installation is the reverse of procedures.

Tools : 10mm socket to remove battery cables, red wire nut, black wire nut.
Screwdriver to remove hose clamps (Get new clamps)
6" adjustable wrench for nut at back of alternator
3/8" ratchet and socket for front alternator nut

This is not a hard job.

Talley

I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. The auto. repair shop wanted $490 to replace the alternator. I purchased a rebuilt unit for $130. I plan on tackling this project this weekend. It sounds like it should only take a couple of hours or so.

Thanks again.

88pathoffroad

V6 or 4 cylinder? Cause you don't need to remove the battery, hoses or anything else like that if it's a V6...just disconnect the battery's positive terminal, loosen up the belt tensioner, take the belt off, remove the charging wire from the back, unplug the plastic plug, unbolt the three mounting bolts, drop out the old alternator and then bolt the new one in.

You bought a rebuilt alternator for $130? Ow. Methinks you didn't shop around. Last stock alternator I bought was $90. You could buy a higher amp output alternator for less than that.

If you wanted more amperage, you could swap in a Quest or Villager alternator for 110 amps instead of 60...or a 240SX 90 amp alternator, you pick. Everything works a little bit better with the bigger alternator, the lights are all brighter, the fan blows harder, and the engine seems to idle smoother... Here's a webpage I wrote up on how to swap a Quest alternator into a VG30 engined Pathfinder, same engine as the HB's...
http://www.damagedreality.com/altswap.html

__________________
Owner of NPORA, mod for Nissan-Infiniti Forums, NissanForums.com, NissanHelp.com, AllNissans.com and VGPowered Forums
'88 Pathfinder: 6" of lift, 33x13.50 Swamper LTB's, Rancho 9000's, L&P Stage 3 steering system, K&N, Pacesetter headers and 2.5" exhaust, Lock-Right locker, 110A alty and electric fan swap, dual batteries, 700W+ worth of PIAAs, etc.