is there a post or does someone have a good way of removing the alternator. I have the FSM and checked the threads but have not found a description of how exactly to do it? need the best way of doing this so I can change the thermoswitch.

 

its easy, its like 3 bolts. ones on the left side, ones on the top with the ground in it, and the other is tensioner adjuster thing i dunno what its called. The one on the left side is long and when you take it out you have to kinda pivot it using that left side bolt as the rotating point and it comes off of there and ur free

 

And that Bitch *** belt. That thing took me forever to get onto the new alternator.

 

Make SURE you've got the negative terminal off the battery when you pull the alternator. The main power wire from the alternator can EASILY short out on something during removal/reinstallation, and you'll have more problems .

In general, it's real easy. That's one thing Mazda made easy for us .

Dale

 

After loosening the airpump, mine when on and off easy. The biggest issue was that the "ears" of the alternator were pretty tight and I had to be careful prying it up to remove.

 

Agree with sgtblue - it can be really tight.

I need to remove the belt, loosen the bolts, remove the terminals, and still wrestle with it to get it out. Just don't break your pressure or vacuum tanks in the process. Having a nice pair of buckskin gloves is very helpful with this car.

Next time I have it out I'll take a dremel grinder to the facing metal of the ears to see if I can make it easier.

Dave

 

yeah I got some craftsman mechanic gloves from sears, very nice for not screwing up your hands.

 

If you dont do this... you don't get a 4th of july 2 inches from you face... I got one .

 

ya, taking the alternator in and out is the easy part. taking the shells off is a major PITA.

 

The tough part was getting the swivel part back on. It's just a hassle to line it up.