How To Replace An Alternator On A Subaru

Below is a video on how to replace an alternator on a Subaru

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Today we will be showing you how to replace an alternator on a subaru. The first thing we need to do is grab a 10mm wrench or socket and ratchet and remove the positive battery cable from the battery.

 

Once we have the positive battery terminal removed we can keep the 10mm out as we need to remove three 10mm bolts that hold the belt covers in position. There are two on the a/c cover and one all the way to the right on the cover that covers the alternator and power steering pump. Once we have those three 10mm bolts removed we can remove the a/c belt cover. Next we can grab a 12mm socket and loosen the bolt on the right side of the alternator. There will be a bracket or nut on the back side of the bolt be sure to grab it and hold it so that is doesn’t fall under the intake manifold.

 

Once we have that bolt loose we can remove the cover over the alternator and power steering belts. With that cover removed you can look under the power steering/ alternator belt and you will see a 12mm bolt that holds the left side of the alternator in place. We can take the 12mm socket and ratchet and loosen the bolt. Once we have that bolt loose we can turn the adjuster bolt to lower the alternator to remove the belt. Once you get the belt off it’s a good time to inspect it to see if it has cracks or smooth spots/ glazing and needs to be replaced.

 

With the belt removed we can lift up and slide the red cover back that covers the top alternator connection. With the rubber boot slide back we can now grab a ratchet and a 13mm socket you may need to use a deep socket depending on how far the stud sticks up. Well remove the nut and then lock washer and then remove the wire off the stud. With that wire removed we can now remove the plug from the alternator. It has a tab that you must squeeze in order to remove it. You may want to grab a pair of needle nose pliers or a flat screwdriver to remove the plug. We choose to go with the needle nose pliers so well squeeze the clip and wiggle it to remove it from the alternator. Once we have both electrical connections disconnected we can now slide the bolt out on the right side of the alternator. Then we can grab the 12mm socket and ratchet and remove the left side bolt completely. Once we have both bolts removed we can grab the alternator and rotate it upwards and towards the a/c compressor and wiggle it free.

 

Next we can grab our new or remanufactured alternator and align the right side with the a/c compressor and slide it back into position. When it’s back in position we can reinstalled the bolt in the left side into the tensioner and then align the right side with the compressor and slide the longer bolt through and install the nut or bracket on the back side of the alternator. With these two bolts installed we can now reinstall our belt or a new belt. If you install a new belt you will need to loosen the adjuster more as the new belt won’t be stretched.

 

First start by putting the belt over the crank pulley then onto the power steering pulley and then onto the alternator pulley while making sure that all the grooves on the belt align with the ones on the pulleys. Next we can grab the ratchet and 12mm socket and tighten the adjust to bring the alternator up and put tension on the belt. Once we have the proper tension on the belt we can tighten the adjuster nut to lock it in position.

 

With the belt on and adjusted we can now reconnect the electrical connections. Well first start by plugging in the plug making sure to hear the click so we know it’s locked in. Next we can remove the nut and washer from the stud and then installed the eyelet onto the stud. Now is a good time to check the end of the cable for corrosion. If there is you could use some sandpaper or scotch brite pad to clean it. Once the wire is in position we can put the lock washer and then the nut back on. Next we can grab the ratchet and a 13mm socket and tighten the nut down and then slide the rubber boot back on.

 

With both electrical connections done and the rubber boot back in position we now can grab the metal cover for the alternator and power steering pump. We can slide the right side of the cover behind the bolt of the right side of the alternator and then lower it into position. Next we can grab the bolt with the shoulder on it and install it on the left side of the cover. Next we can grab the ratchet and a 12mm socket and tighten the right side bolt to hold the cover in place. Next we can swap the sockets to a 10mm and tighten down the left side. Once we have that cover on we can grab the cover for the a/c compressor put in into position and put the nut on the right side and the bolt in on the left. Next we can use the ratchet and the 10mm socket and tighten the nut and the bolt to secure that cover in position.

 

Next we can reconnect the battery. Since we have already lost the radio stations now is a good time to clean both the positive and negative battery terminals with a battery terminal cleaner. So we’ll take the 10mm socket and ratchet and remove the negative side terminal. Well clean the battery terminals first and then the cable ends. With the battery connections clean we can reconnect the negative side first making sure it’s all the way on. Once we have it on we can take the ratchet and the 10mm socket and tighten it down. Next we can do the same for the positive side push it all the way onto the battery and then tighten it. Next we can slide the rubber boot back to cover the positive connection.

 

With the both sides of the battery reconnected and the rubber boot back in position that’s it we have just showed you how to replace the alternator on your subaru.

 

A quick guide to get the proper tension on the belts.

 

 

 

 

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