Squeal... ugh., Alternator bearing? Options

[anderssj]

Went through this about 6 months ago...not the easiest job as the car was on ramps—but doable. Would have been cake if I had a lift.



LESSON LEARNED: The key thing was removing the left front piece of cooling tin:



I think it’s referred to as “cover plate for engine, front driver side." In addition to the fasteners visible in the engine compartment, there are a couple of cheese-head screws that have to be removed from underneath (note the holes in the tin at the right side of the photo). Once all of the fasteners are removed, this cover plate is lifted up and out from INSIDE the engine compartment.

With that piece out of the way, the alternator is removed and replaced from underneath, in front of the engine bar. For the install, the alternator went back in from underneath. The hex head bolt (top) went in from the front; the square “toothed” nut took a couple tries, but I was finally able to get in place over the top of the alternator. Fitted the lower part of the alternator housing into the mounting bracket, then the plastic ring goes on the front of the alternator. The alternator’s front cover plate goes on from underneath, and the long D-headed bolt goes in from the front.

Having that front cover plate off made fitting and tensioning the belt a lot easier too.

Hope this helps!

Steve A-

[Root_Werks]

That's a good write up Steve. I remember swapping out an alternator once while still in the 914. Doable for sure, just takes some time.

At least you know what the noise is now.

[emerygt350]

Yeah, and now the alternator will be a power adder! I am sure that bad bearing was pulling at the old motor something terrible.

[jvmarino]

I swapped out my original alternator last Fall. I was dreading it even though I have a MAXJAX 2 post lift. I took my time and spent about 2 hours taking it out 1 night and another couple of hours putting new one back in the following night. I am sure I could do it quicker now, but this felt like a relaxed pace.

There was a thread on the forum with a step-by-step description, but it seemed much easier because there were no HE's installed or heater ducts. I had to re-familiarize myself with the heating equipment as I had not dug into it since assembling the car 30 years ago, so that added some time in the beginning.

I also struggled with the cooling air elbow. First I didn't realize there was an internal spring wire holding it into the engine fan case, and then when I installed the new elbow I received from 914rubber, it seems to be the wrong size for my year and the boot would not secure to the fan case opening too well. I kept messing with that to get to a point I felt it would stay secured.

It was very helpful to not be on a time line for completion so I could be relaxed about the whole process.

[emerygt350]

I swapped out my original alternator last Fall. I was dreading it even though I have a MAXJAX 2 post lift. I took my time and spent about 2 hours taking it out 1 night and another couple of hours putting new one back in the following night. I am sure I could do it quicker now, but this felt like a relaxed pace.

There was a thread on the forum with a step-by-step description, but it seemed much easier because there were no HE's installed or heater ducts. I had to re-familiarize myself with the heating equipment as I had not dug into it since assembling the car 30 years ago, so that added some time in the beginning.

I also struggled with the cooling air elbow. First I didn't realize there was an internal spring wire holding it into the engine fan case, and then when I installed the new elbow I received from 914rubber, it seems to be the wrong size for my year and the boot would not secure to the fan case opening too well. I kept messing with that to get to a point I felt it would stay secured.

It was very helpful to not be on a time line for completion so I could be relaxed about the whole process.

Thanks for the information. I have looked at that excellent write up and slapshots video. Gonna take it slow and not rush, it looks like the most frustrating bits are really if you are in a hurry.

[emerygt350]

Well, replaced the alternator this morning. Dude. If you don't have heat exchangers it would be the simplest thing ever. If you do and part of them includes a custom high performance campbells soup can, it's a pain.

So much better. The old one was very crunchy and actually difficult to turn by hand it was so bad.

Thanks @bdstone914 the core is on the way. I didn't use the included bag of parts so that is still complete.