Alternator removal problem

[TPRJIMMI]

I can't get the alternator out of my 2001 base to save my life. If the water pump were out everything would be great. Seems worth doing for the price of a gasket. Any issues that I'm not seeing? TIA

[Frodo]

So you've got it loose, so that it's mobile, but just can't twist/turn it so that it comes out, right?

It's been like 10 years since I did mine so I'm foggy on this, but I seem to remember having the same issue. IIRC, there was a bolt (not in the alternator, but off to the side a bit---I don't remember exactly what its function was) that I removed and it gave me just a few mm additional wriggle-room to get the alt out. IIRC!

Don't forget to put it (the bolt) back in when you're done..

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by TPRJIMMI

I can't get the alternator out of my 2001 base to save my life. If the water pump were out everything would be great. Seems worth doing for the price of a gasket. Any issues that I'm not seeing? TIA

The bottom long bolt goes into bronze bushing in the rear mount housing and needs to be "persuaded". Put the bottom bolt back in several turns and give it a stout "tap" with a hammer to move the bushing back slightly and then remove the bolt. The alternator should them pop right out.

[TPRJIMMI]

I got out the long bolt and bushing but the twisting part is the problem. A picture on one of the threads about this showed the long bolt hole portion down low under the "cradle" but I can't move the alternator down into that position. I think the problem is the bushing being pushed too far back out so that the body can't drop down into that lower position. Guess I used too big a hammer!. I'll try this tomorrow. Thanks for the thoughts.

[Jager]

Use (spray) a thin lube like Tri-Flow at the bracket interfaces as you wiggle it out.. Same with the install... Apply some lube on the new alternator bracket interfaces.

[dghii]

Don't get discouraged as it doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong.

This is one of those 'hold your mouth right' type jobs. You can struggle and struggle and then when it comes out you'll wonder what the big deal is.

It can also be a bit of fun getting it back in place but since you'll have been successful getting it out, you'll know it can go back in.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by dghii

this is one of those 'hold your mouth right' type jobs. You can struggle and struggle and then when it comes out you'll wonder what the big deal is.

...exactly!

[blvsmith]

I just did mine last week using this video. Worked great. https://youtu.be/BJWt-e3mlDc

[blvsmith]

I got a used one of eBay for 50 bucks works great
. https://m.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-986-Boxster-Alternator-Generator-1997-2004-Bosch-120-amp-99660310202-/161376229537?txnId=1616493332006

[Quadcammer]

would lowering the motor a bit help your cause? Although I've never pulled one with the motor in the car, I imagine it would.

[dghii]

Originally Posted by Quadcammer

would lowering the motor a bit help your cause? Although I've never pulled one with the motor in the car, I imagine it would.

No need to do this. Don’t think it would make any difference. Great idea for WP though!

[TPRJIMMI]

Thanks for all the helpful comments. The bushing wasn't pushed back far enough; it hung up on the bracket and wouldn't allow the alternator to swing down. I removed the cover of the water outlet and got all sorts of room! Five dollar gasket and back in business.