2003 Chevy Suburban-replace alternator
Ok, Alternators are a breeze on these things. There are two bolts that hold it on, and 2 sets of wires. If you haven't taken anything apart yet, and the belt is still on it, here's what to do. You will want one of those rubber or elastic bungee cords, about 2 and a half feet long(this makes it easy). Hook that bungee cord to your hood somewhere, so that it hangs down. Hook the other end on the serpentine belt right next to the alternator pulley. If you need to prop the hood up with a stick or something to keep it up, do so. Pull up on the belt, and watch the pulleys. The one that probably has a plastic pulley on it that moves up and down(this is the tensioner) is the one that you'll put a deep well socket in the middle of with a ratchet, and turn counterclockwise. This will make the belt go loose. Now you can work the belt off the alternator pulley, and once you get it off, the bungee cord will keep it in place, so you don't have to look at the diagram. Otherwise, if it comes off, there is a sticker just under the hood either on the fan shroud or the radiator support that has the belt diagram. Now, you can disconnect the battery, pull the rubber boot down off the nut and post on the back of the alternator, remove the nut and wire, and then unhook the wire from the side of the alternator. Now, you can remove the two bolts that hold the alternator on. You Will need to pry the alternator off at this point, as it fits really tightly in place. A socket extension or a large flat screwdriver works really well for this. Once you get it off, put the new one on exactly as you took the old one off. Note, you will have to release your tension on the tensioner at some point; i just ease it down, or if I can pull it off, wedge it somewhere where it won't loosen very far. Remember, on the tensioner, you're not trying to take the nut off. All you're doing is using it to move the tensioner arm. That's all there is to this job. Sometimes it can be stubborn with the prying part, especially getting it into place. Hope this is what you're after, and if you need more info, leave a comment for me.
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