How do you replace an Alternator yourself?

[NOT4UinGA]

I have a 1994 3000GT with 175K miles on it (yes, all driven by ME!).

For two weeks now, my voltage meter on the dashboard would register around 12 volts. Normally, it would be hovering around 14 volts. I had my battery tested at Autozone twice and they both said I have a defective alternator. Last nite, I went to start my car, and it was dead. All I could get was clicks from the starter. I put a volt meter across the battery terminal and the voltage was like 9.6 volts.

The Mitsubishi Dealership is charging me an arm & leg to replace an alternator (over $400). My question is: would it be simplier to buy an alternator from Autozone for like $280 and replace the alternator myself? Or do you recommend having a professional do the replacement due to the the complexity of the work?

Keep in mind that I am a novice when it comes to car repair. I can only do the basic stuff like change the oil/filter, replace battery, fix flats, replace bulbs, etc.

Can anyone point me to a link and/or instructions on how to relace an alternator?

Thanks in Advance,

AJ (NOT4UinGA@aol.com)

[pokey]

Buy the service manual. Or bite the bullet.

[jdb8805]

are you saying they want $400 total (100 more than just buying the alternator?) or price of alternator plus $400 labor?

If you have experience changing the accessory belts, changing the alternator is not that much more difficult.

You have to take off the wheel, and the plastic covers, then you can reach the A/C belt. Loosen the tensioner, remove the belt, now you can go back up to the front drivers side of the front bank and start to remove hoses and aircondition lines (don't have to remove, just unbolt and move a little to get out of your way)

Now you can unbolt and wiggle out the alternator...

Reverse to put back together

and yes, I'm oversimplifying this....

I think you can get instructions on removing and replacing the A/C belt here: http://www.stealth316.com

removing the belt is 75% of the job.