Lower alternator bolt help

wyldejackyl · Post by **wyldejackyl** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:37 am

I was attempting to change the thermostat on my '03 last weekend but getting the alternator off was a total PITA. I got the upper bolt off no problem, but the lower one stripped out on me. It's never been removed, so either it was overtorqued at the factory, the bolt is inferior (I hate those dished head bolts that have drafted facets), or it's just in there from years of service. Whatever. I bought a BoltOut kit to get the thing off, so that's not a problem..however the BO is going to destroy the head getting it out, and I'll need to replace that bolt. I need the length, diameter, and thread of that bolt, so I can get a replacement before I get into it. It's a 14mm head flanged bolt, but I'm not sure how long it is or what the diameter is (6mm?). If anyone can help me, it would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:05 am

Your best bet would be the dealer. They should have the info you need, instead of going threw lowes bolt section.

wyldejackyl · Post by **wyldejackyl** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:44 pm

I usually go to ACE hardware; lowes never has what I need. I'd ask the dealer but this is the same dealer that told me that my transmission took 24 quarts of oil. I told them that was 6 gallons, and they insisted it had a big case. I wouldn't trust them to wipe my windows!

lovemyraffe · Post by **lovemyraffe** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 2:58 am

24 quarts? That's almost accurate (hehehe).

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 5:40 am

I wish I could help a bit more but the repair manual doesn't state what bolt is what... But if you know what you are looking for it could possibly help you. It only states bolt strength.. not length

nonstop · Post by **nonstop** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:11 pm

Just had the same problem with my '03 Vibe. The lower bolt is so torqued that the head of the bolt rounded on me. The lower bolt extends through the 2 lower tabs on the alternator that straddle a tab on the engine. The RH nut is a dowelled nut pressed into the RH tab. I had to take the car to a mechanic I know. He removed the fan shroud and moved the air conditioning compressor out of the way temporarily. He had to heat the RH nut and was able to loosen it. He got it out so it could be changed. He welded a nut onto the rounded head of the bolt so we could re-use it. My only problem after doing battery and then having trouble with the alternator change is that my charge light continues to be on. DC volts running and not running are OK. Please let me know what you find in your situation.

kevera · Post by **kevera** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:41 pm

When you guys get the bolt out,please put some anti-seize on it.I've had that bolt out with no problems.

Celtic_Curse · Post by **Celtic_Curse** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 1:55 am

Had the sameissue during my SC install PITA is putting it mildly.

Cue-Ball · Post by **Cue-Ball** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 7:43 am

Just wanted to say I know this is an OLD posting, but...While working on my wife's 03 last Friday night I too started to round off the bolt head and after throwing a few things in the garage and saying a few choice words, I logged in here to search for some help and came across this thread.What a life saver, I was able to pull the fan shroud out as suggested and heated the alternator up and was able to get the bolt out.So I wanted to say THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH, this truly was a life saver.I was able to get the alt. out, pull the tstat, run some Blue Devil sealant thru the engine and put it all back together again (won't know how sucessfull it all was until I get home today after the wife driving it), but getting the info here was HUGE, so thanks again awesome place for truly helpful information.Dirk

Lower alternator bolt help

Lower alternator bolt help

Re: Lower alternator bolt help (wyldejackyl)

Re: (wyldejackyl)

Re: Lower alternator bolt help (wyldejackyl)

Re: Lower alternator bolt help (nonstop)

Re: Lower alternator bolt help (wyldejackyl)