Well, I need to remove my alternator to get it checked out by Kragen and to have it rebuilt by a local shop. I was reading the shop manual and it states that I have to remove the air pump, throttle cable, etc. in order to remove the alternator. Is that really necessary? It doesn't seem like the air pump or throttle cable would get in the way.

 

no! you have to loosen it so that the belt can come off but other then that, you just have to take off the bolts, undo the eletrical connections (make sure to protect these) and pull that bad boy off!

 

WTF? Why does the shop manual ask that you take off all the other stuff?

 

you might have to move some of the stuff like the throttle cable out of the way but i know you dont need to take off the airpump

 

just be sure to take off the batt neg before you start

 

If you looked at it and did some self analysis, you would not have to ask.

 

Just be careful when removing the positive terminal from the alternator. If the cable spins with the nut (heh) then it will hit the plastic shielding and begin to break it (see picture). Hold on firmly to the cable and make sure it doesn't turn when the nut is turned. This connection does not need to be gorrilla-torqued. Check the FSM for proper torque specs. The jerk that last worked on my alternator didn't bother.

 

Also probably wise to use a socket and ratchet, rather than a wrench. The wrench might cause you to shock yourself, if the positive hits ground. Shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.

 

As I stated above, it didn't seem like I have to (I have removed my air pump before). Since the MAZDA SHOP MANUAL stated that I have to, I was conflicted on whether to believe the text or not. Anyways, thanks to those who responded with a helpful response.

 

What? So next time I've got a question about fixing my car I should get all introspective and call Dr. Laura?

WaLien, I wondered the same thing a few weeks back before removing mine. Fortunately, I was able to check with ISUposs who set me straight. The mounting flanges on the alternator will be tight and can be difficult, that was the hardest part for me.

 

Just incase anyone ever searches this thread...

Removing the air pump is unecessary. What needs to be removed is the crossover pipe, both of the intercooler hoses, and the tb elbow. As mentioned above, the flanges are a pain in the cornhole to line up, but removing the crossover pipe allows one to have a clear view of the two mating surfaces/holes.

 

Yes, you don't need to remove the airpump, but you do have to loosen it so you can bring tension off the belt to get the alternator out.

 

Kind of like how the Mazda Service Manual doesn't say anything about removing the turbos to remove the LIM. lol That manual is such a POS.

 

That is why

 

To be a good mechanic, besides looking in the appropriate maunal, you also have to use your head and analyze what you are working on.

Most manuals are not written by experienced mechanics.

Analysis is becoming a lost art.

 

removing the alternator is cake.Loosen the alternator bolts.there one on the side that allows the longer bolt to be loosened.Lose it as well and then loosen the air pump bolts.Should be 2 or 3 of them.After that the alternator should come out.Easy money.Provided you know what youre doing.Removing the electrical connectors should be a no brainer.Good luck.
ps now that I think about it you may also have to remove the bracket completely off the alternator.Otherwise I think you may have to remove the air pump.The bracket is easier to remove though.So go for that.

 

I did. So did he. And since there was a conflict between the manual and what he was seeing, a thread was started to seek help on a forum designed, in part, to discuss these types of questions.