5.0 97 mountaineer alt. replacement

[dads2vette]

Seems like I have a bad alternator. When I look into replacing this alternator it looks like I may have to move the power steering unit. Any videos out there I can watch for guidance? Not to whine but I have a bad back and 20-30 minutes is all I can really handle at a time before taking a break so I'd like to get my "oops" down to a minimum.

Thanks

 

[jremington59]

If I recall all I did was remove the air breather tube going to the throttle body because it was in the way. Then you can reach down and get a socket onto the belt tensioner and pull it to remove the belt tension. 15 mm if I remember.

 

[koda2000]

If I recall all I did was remove the air breather tube going to the throttle body because it was in the way. Then you can reach down and get a socket onto the belt tensioner and pull it to remove the belt tension. 15 mm if I remember.

that's exactly what i did. very easy job.

 

[jremington59]

I have a friend who used to have a 5.0 Mustang. He welded the socket onto a braker bar handle and gave it to me. It works great as there's limited room and it's longer so you can really release the belt.

 

[koda2000]

I have a friend who used to have a 5.0 Mustang. He welded the socket onto a braker bar handle and gave it to me. It works great as there's limited room and it's longer so you can really release the belt.

with the intake tube out of the way, i just used a regular 3/8's ratchet with a 15mm socket on the tensioner. it doesn't take that much to get the belt off as long as you have a little room to work. then a couple of electrical connectors and the 2 bolts and one nut and the alt lifts right out. hardest part was breaking the bolts free as they'd never been touched in 200,000 miles. that's where a long breaker bar (or impact) comes in handy.