How do you replace the alternator on a 1998 Chevy Lumina 3.8L?

Answer 1

to the alternator ?**IMPORTANT** You must first disconnect the battery's negative terminal. **IMPORTANT**

The battery is located just under the front of the windshield washer reservoir. Remove the cross member over the washer reservoir, remove the two plastic posts holding the reservoir (the center pins pull straight out with a pliers). Then you will have ample room to use a wrench or pliers to remove the negative terminal.

Then you remove the belt by putting a 3/8 drive rachet or breaker bar in the square hole on the tensioner (just under the roller) and pull it towards the firewall.

Remove the positive battery cable from the post on the alternator.

Remove the nut holding the Power Steering pump lines (10 millimeter) this is located on the back of the alternator close to the firewall (You will see the plastic clip holding the lines the nut is just below that clip).

Remove the nuts holding the bracing bars to the engine (near the valve cover).

Remove the two bolts holding the alternator (on the flanges). The lower bolt has a free wheeling nut on the back; you'll have to reach under and hold that nut.

You can lift out the alternator, but be aware of the lower bracing bar that may have to be loosened on the alternator to facilitate removal. Once the alternator is out you can easily remove the wiring from the rear.