Swapping alternator pulleys

[1TallMF]

This might be a noob question, but I searched and found no answer. I am wondering if anyone knows off hand what size socket to get to remove the alternator pulley nut. I am thinking its around 7/8", but I'd like to know for sure to avoid the trial and error method when I buy the socket.

Secondly, has anyone ever taken off the alternator pulley without using an impact gun? I was thinking of doing it while the alternator and belt are on the car, so that the friction and tension on the belt could keep the pulley from turning, and use a regular socket wrench to break it loose. Has anyone ever had any success at this?

 

[bill302]

15/16 in. socket the only way to get the nut off without a impact wrench and the way i did it was to use a small screwdriver and insert it into the front vents and catch the steel fan vents inside the alternator make sure you insert the screwdriver at the end of the vent where the case is solid this is where the pressure from the screwdriver will be applied when you remove nut because if you put pressure on vent fins they may and probably will break if you understand what i'm trying to say if not repost and i'll try to explain better...

 

[fordtech28]

get a big plumbers wrench also called a monkey wrench the teeth on the wrench will clamp on to the pulley and just use the socket and ratchet to take to nut off

 

[1TallMF]

Thanks, that answers my question perfectly. So to clarify what you are saying is to put the screwdriver through the side of the alternator where it is prependicular to the axle (shaft) of the alternator? I would think that way the length of the fan blade is resting on the screwdriver rather than on only one spot (such as if you were to put the screwdriver through the front, parallel to the axle shaft). Am I correct? I will take your advice but I'll also keep the belt on the pulley for the initial turn of the nut, just for added support.

 

[1TallMF]

get a big plumbers wrench also called a monkey wrench the teeth on the wrench will clamp on to the pulley and just use the socket and ratchet to take to nut off

Wouldn't that leave marks on the pulley? Doesn't really matter, I don't plan on reusing it, but just a thought...

 

[Swarzkopf]

15/16 in. socket the only way to get the nut off without a impact wrench and the way i did it was to use a small screwdriver and insert it into the front vents and catch the steel fan vents inside the alternator

Yeah, this will work usually...but mine wouldn't come off without a healthy dose of heat from a propane torch first.

 

[bill302]

Thanks, that answers my question perfectly. So to clarify what you are saying is to put the screwdriver through the side of the alternator where it is prependicular to the axle (shaft) of the alternator? I would think that way the length of the fan blade is resting on the screwdriver rather than on only one spot (such as if you were to put the screwdriver through the front, parallel to the axle shaft). Am I correct? I will take your advice but I'll also keep the belt on the pulley for the initial turn of the nut, just for added support.

correct but ease into it and see if the bolt will break free i have removed pullys like this but i have had a few that i stopped useing this method because i was applying alot of pressure and feared breaking fin and did as fordtech28 done with a large wrench i did'nt worry about damaging pully because i can get them all day long at a local alt. and starter rebuild shop for $5 and i installed a lock washer between pully and nut upon reinstall.....are you installing under drive pullys?

 

[The Green GT]

I had to impact mine off.

 

[1TallMF]

Reason I am taking it off is I have MAC underdrive pulleys and the alternator does not charge properly at idle when there is a load on the system (headlights, A/C, etc.) so since I don't have the stock crank pulley (previous owner did this), I got a 1-7/8" overdrive alternator pulley from ASP instead and now I'm putting it on after weeks of procrastination.

 

[mo_dingo]

I got mine loose by leaving the serpentine belt on and using a 2ft breaker bar on the socket and hitting it with a 3lb sledge. Ghetto impact, but I was too lazy to take the fan/radiator out to get room for my monster impack. Put the car in gear too. But I soaked mine in penetrating oil the night before many times.
Scott

Big channel locks/vise grips also work, as long as you use them on the lip of the pulley, not the ribs.
Scott

 

[99FiveOh]

It's way easier to just pull the alt out and use an impact. Any tire shop, alt shop and most auto parts stores will swap the pully for you in a few seconds! It's not worth all the hassles to try and swap it in the car IMO. Also, you'll get the new one on much tighter if you have someone zap it on there for ya!

 

[1TallMF]

Funny thing is, I had this done a couple weeks ago, I took the alternator out of the car in the shop's parking lot, then I took it in and had a guy swap the pulleys with an impact gun. I go back to the car and pop it back in, but I then realised that the stock belt is now about 0.5-1" too long, so I go in the store to get a shorter belt, but all they had was one that was 2" shorter. I bought it, put it on and now this belt was too short to go on, so I was stuck there. I ended up returning the belt and taking the alternator out again and taking it to the same guy to have the pulleys re-swapped so I could get the car home (it was getting dark out). I know mechanics hate doing work for free, so I'd hate to take it there again, he'd probably tell me to flock off or something...
So now I want to do this myself, and at least I know what length of belt I need. I might just bite the bullet and buy an impact wrench and do it right, but I might try to get it off with a ratchet first, since its been off recently it shouldn't be too hard to get off. Or I'll just go bug a different mechanic

 

[99FiveOh]

Belts can be real agravating sometimes. Seems like auto parts stores would have them in 1/2" increments. I mean, with all the custom hod rodding and street machines people are building these days they'd want to be prepared and be able to make those sales! Yeah, and hell is getting colder these days I'm told!!!

 

[1TallMF]

With my previous experience working for 4 years in the parts business, it seems they only make serpentine belts to fit existing factory applications. And the prices vary according to popularity, for example, a 106" belt for a popular minivan might be $23 while a 106.7" belt for a mercedes (for argument's sake) would be around $54. Its completely wee-todd-ed if you ask me.
V-belts on the other hand, they're available in 1/2" increments, and they're all the same friggin price!

 

[99FiveOh]

One of these days a new world order of auto parts stores will emerge! All that is wrong with the parts business will be RIGHT! All that is difficult will be easy! All that is confusing will be understood 100% the first time! All the cocky counter salesmen will be killed and new, nicer and knowlegdable staff will be hired! And all this will happen on Mars because it'll never happen here!!!