labor time is 2.5 hours
The alternator, facing the engine, is located low on the left side of the engine. It really is easier to remove and replace from the bottom.
Its inside the alternator. Its not really something you can replace. If your voltage regulator doesn't work, you need a whole new alternator.
About 200 bucks. Its about 80 to 130 bucks for the alternator, and its really easy to replace. Sits on top of the motor.
The only thing which really gets serviced is the the belt, and that'll vary by vehicle. Inspect your belt regularly, and replace as needed. The alternator itself, all you really need to do is inspect the mounting brackets to ensure that they remain intact and the alternator remains properly aligned. You replace or rebuild the alternator when it goes out, whether due to seized bearings, insufficient voltage, etc.
The relay for the hazards and the indicators is the hazard light switch itself it a all in one unit. Just had to replace mine. Google it you will find the info really quickly and it's easy to do. A new one cost me £18.
The belt tensioner is not located on the alternator. The serpentine belt tension is maintained by the tensioner pulley, located below and to the left (looking from the front of the truck) of the alternator, near the coil and oil dipstick tube. Use a 15MM box-end wrench to turn the bolt in the center of the pulley clockwise, and the belt will slip right off the alternator. This really was a great design... It literally takes less than a minute to change/remove/replace the belt. This applies to the 1999 5.9 (and 5.2 I think)
Alternator is not charging, or if it is the charge is not getting to the battery
First, disconnect the battery cables, Second, you have to drain some or all the coolant so you can remove the upper radiator hose, Third, disconnect the alternator cables, Fourth, loosen the bolt attaching the alternator so you can loosen the alternator belt, Finally, remove the bolt and angle the alternator to remove it. You might need to hammer the alternator from underneath, sometimes they are really tight. 'Hope this helps.
Power steering pump is located under the alternator on the driverside. Best way is to remove the alternator and add to the cold line. It is a pain, there is no really easy way.
Depending on where you live, you MAY be able to find a local auto parts retailer that has the ability to test your alternator. They generally test the entire charging system and do not charge for the service since they're trying to get you to buy parts from them. You're right to not trust the dealer, their mechanics are paid partially by commission and tend to want to replace as many parts as they can.
On a 1.8T, swing the alternator out of the way, and it's at the top of the coolant pipe. On the V6, it's behind a flange under the timing cover. You pretty much need to take the front end off the car unless you have really skinny hands.
Voltage regulator is more than likely defective. The Regulator is built into the alternator so you will have to replace the entire alternator. Just make sure it is really overcharging. You should read from 13.5 to around 15.5 volts with a digital DC voltmeter if the alternator is performing as it should. Must more than 15.5 volts and it is overcharging.