Just wondering if this is possible and if so, are there any extra steps required? The lower alternator bolt can be removed and the alternator can swing on the upper bolt. My car is a 1987 SE 2.8.

Might want to have a look at This thread.

I only took the bracket off with the alternator one time...because the pivot bolt was seized into the alternator. Otherwise why would you want to take off the bracket with it and make the job harder ?

thanks guys. The long top alternator bolt will NOT release from the mounting bracket and it seems easiest to take the bracket out as well since it pivots. It could be possible to deal with the bolt out of the car. The mechanic didn't want to deal with it, so I'm glad there is a way for me to drop it down after removing the tie rod.

You may want to find a another mechanic/shop.

quote Originally posted by Rexgirl: thanks guys. The long top alternator bolt will NOT release from the mounting bracket and it seems easiest to take the bracket out as well since it pivots. It could be possible to deal with the bolt out of the car. The mechanic didn't want to deal with it, so I'm glad there is a way for me to drop it down after removing the tie rod.

So you take a car in to change an alternator, bolt is stuck, and decides not to deal with it? Or did you have a hard time with it, took it in, then he turned it down? Just curious.

Just to clarify, the top bolt is seized to the bracket itself or the alternator? You said the alternator is swinging to I'm assuming if it's seized to something, it's going to be the alternator. FYI, the top bolt does not tap into the alternator bracket, there is a nut that needs to be removed (it's a long bolt) and then the bolt simply slides out (given it's not seized to the alternator) releasing the alternator from the bracket. You may already know this and it is fairly obvious. If you do, I apologize...just wanted to clarify.

[This message has been edited by fastblack (edited 06-24-2014).]

hi again, I took my 5 speed car in to have the leaking water pump changed, and with 70 k miles it seemed like a good idea to change the belt and alternator at the same time. The mechanic changed everything but the alternator, saying that the alternator would pivot on the top bolt and the bolt was twisting but wouldn't break free. It's possible he didn't tell the truth (he isn't very honest) and both the alternator and its bracket are stuck to the bolt. The top bolt does not have a nut on the belt side and sticks out about 3/8 inch on the other (transmission) side of the alternator mounting bracket. It seems like a good idea to replace the alternator before it needs work or upgrade it so I don't have problems that may leave me stuck somewhere. Thanks guys, I appreciate all your advice.

Yes the long pivot bolt on mine would turn too, but it wouldnt come out because of corrosion. I DID take off the bracket with it then and use a press to push the bolt out. I got a stainless steel bolt the same length from the hardware store, but slightly smaller diameter so it would not happen again. I think you can wiggle it a round enough on any stick shift to get it out the bottom, mine was a 4 spd. Never did one on an automatic.