Exactly as the topic says, what's the easiest way to get to the alternator (I need to replace it)? After glancing at it last night I would assume jacking up the car, but then again this is only the second day the car has been at my house so I dont know what I'm talking about yet.. Also, I poked the belt yesterday (something's squeaking every once in a while) and it felt pretty loose. Where's the belt tensioner/how does one adjust it?

If it matters, it's 86 2m6 - manual

I know when Ive done mine on the V6's I have to removed the rear right tire and pull it through behind the right axle ...but it ONLY comes out one way...doesnt seem like it will at first but it will I promise you After you get the other wiggled into the bracket, u can tension it with a prybar from underneth....works for me...

[This message has been edited by InDeX420 (edited 03-21-2004).]

It does matter. There is no tensioner on the V6 engine cars. You need to loosen the uuper and lower bolts on the alternator.It pivots on the upper bolt so don't loosen that one too much. I use a prybar to tension mine, then tighten the lower bolt first. Once that one is tight you can tighten the upper bolt and you are done.

like InDeX420 said
jack it up and use a jack stand.
remove the right wheel
take the outer tierod loose and swing it out of the way.
now you will have all the room you could want.
it will almost fall to the ground

here a thread where I was fighting my alternator....
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20040223-2-043674.html

I can do it in the blind now

And from above. The lower bolt is your tensioner. When the bolts are out and wires disconnected I lower the alternator on the exhaust or subframe and grab it from below. No jacking or removing of wheel/tie-rod etc.....A prybar really helps for tensioning.

V6 manual trans = Out the bottom.
V6 Auto Trans = Out thru the wheel well.

Dave