How do you change the alternator on a 2000 Ford Contour?

Answer 1

If it is a V6 you need to remove the passenger side tire, 3 pieces of wheel well cover, drive shaft, and exhaust at the "Y" after the manifold. There are 3 bolts (13MM, as I recall) the hardest is the top bolt as 2 bolts bolt from the engine towards the wheel. The 3rd bolt attaches the alternator to a bracket. In short took us 8 hrs to remove the old one and 40 mins to install the new one and a few more hours to re-install the exhaust system, drive shaft, wheel well pieces, and the tire. What a crappy design flaw by Ford as i have changed alternators in a parking lot in less than an hour without air or a torch to heat the rusted bolts to get the exhaust loose.