Decided to do this myself.. but as its been raining I havent had a chance to look at the access issue.

Is it a take other things out job or can you just get under to replace the alternator.

Cheers,

Lynda

I just replaced the alternator on my Cinquecento this week so have all the details about this in memory.

You have to remove the inner wheel arch protector, three 8mm bolt head screws, push it to wards the engine bay to get it free from wheel arch. You then have to support the engine with a trolley jack and lift the engine to take the strain off the engine mount which is directly in front of the alternator. You have to remove this mount to be able to get the alternator out. I found on my car that the 2 nuts (there is also a bolt) holding the mount were rusted up which had the comedy effect of when working them lose the actual threaded stud into the engine block turned and proceeded to unscrew its self letting all the coolant out but this was the only way to remove the bolt as it was stuck fast to the stud. I just left the rusted up nut on the end and just bolted it all back in as it had the effect of turning it into a bolt! So get a basin to hand other wise you will end up working in very wet conditions, and get some new antifreeze, may as well replace the lot as you don't want to mix up different brands or reuse old stuff, plus winters coming so it gives you peace of mind.

Once removed you can get full access to the alternator's 2 bolts holding it in place, remove those but try to support it as you take the last one out as it will become suspended on the 2 wires connecting it to the cars electrical system, rotate it round and undo the 8mm nut holding the feed in place and pull the connector out and it can be removed now.

It's always advisable to replace the belt as well when replacing the alternator but as you will find you can't get the belt off the pulley past the crank sensor so lock the pulley in place with a screw driver etc and just unbolt the 3 13mm bolts holding the pulley in place as it all comes away very easily and is less complicated than removing the sensor itself and then realigning it.

I found the job to be a bit of a ball ache but when you think it would probably cost at least a couple of hours labour to get it done by someone your saving £80odd doing it yourself.

Oh one other thing, I got mine from Halfrauds because I thought they would be quick ie same day, turned into 2 days as the 1st alternator that arrived had the wrong pulley on it, so check before ordering that its def. the right one as there seems to be 2 listed for it!

good luck,
Aaron.

Cheers shall hopefully get it down this weekend.

was trying to get the other half to do it but he thinks it is something I should be able to do myself by now.

Ah yes this would be the case on most cars where the alternator is a half hour job at most, (tho FIAT/Lancia most be taking the p*** cos on the integrale its quoted at the specialists as a 5 hour labour job minimum because of its placement) they didn't learn then cos it took me a fair few hours do get it off the Cinq. & back on, and I had to use a breaker bar for extra leverage as it was the original alternator on there, bolts/nuts well seized up, so bend his ear for some help. You are a girl after all, and we guys are very easily persuaded by the fairer sex

As an aside I also replaced the rear engine/gear box mount this week and it was easy compared to the alternator!!!!!!

J333EVO said:

You are a girl after all, and we guys are very easily persuaded by the fairer sex

!!!!!!

Click to expand...

He may not take it.. he knows I can strip a bike engine down and rebuild it no problems but cars are so much bigger and heavier.. lol. I do however have a cunning plan, but this is a public forum.

Thankyou for the posts. My alternator is now replaced and no more horrible whining noises.

Cheers..

and yes I did do it all by myself.