2002 ford v6 escape: replacing alternator...

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i came across the following directions on the internet on how to replace the escapes alternator. is all the below work really needed just to replace the alternator??? Any of you have experience doing this?

[2002 ford v6 escape]


The easiest way or should I say the most convenient way to change the alternator is to:

1. Loosen lug nuts and wheel hub nut on right front tire.

2. Place the car on a jack stand on the right side.

3. Remove the tire.

4. Remove the plastic splash guard.

5. Remove the belt.

6. Pop the ball joint out.

7. Remove the lower control arm.

8. Take wheel hub nut off.

9. Remove drive axle carrier bearing nuts.

10. Remove entire axle as one unit.

11. Take wire and connector off alternator

12. Remove all three alternator bolts and push alternator off to the side.

13. Remove alternator mount bracket.

14. And finally remove alternator
 
While not defending how hard it may be to replace it, if it is anything like all the other Ford OEM alternators I've had experience with from my explorers and F150's, it will give over 150,000 miles of reliable performance before it gives up the ghost. Not exactly an "everyday" job. The GM alternators I've had experience seemed to go 60,000 and then croak. Of course, that was many years ago, so it may have changed with the times...
 
I could understand a bit of work to get it out, but all those steps listed above are just ridiculous. I bet you the power steering pump is easy to replace because it never needs to be on most cars...

Designers need to think... Why were older cars easier to service?
 
Originally Posted By: StevieC
And their sales are slumping why?


How easy is the one to replace on your Hyundai?

The one on my Expedition is dead in the middle of the top of the engine....... The Lincoln and Mustang are two bolts.
 
Mine is at the back of the engine. 2 bolts and it's off. I checked this out already in my Technical manual.
grin2.gif


Lots of space to get at it, and an easy disconnect for the wiring, you don't even have to disconnect the battery!
 
Originally Posted By: StevieC
I could understand a bit of work to get it out, but all those steps listed above are just ridiculous. I bet you the power steering pump is easy to replace because it never needs to be on most cars...

Designers need to think... Why were older cars easier to service?

Depends on the older car...
On Ford Mustangs where a big block was stuffed into the space of a small block, work was a major pain.

Oh, and define exactly what you mean by older. Nissan FWD Maximas and 300ZX models from the 1980s were a serious pain to work on, and they were prone to alternator failure, P/S rack failure, compressor failure, as well as other stuff. They may just be considered a modern car because they have Multi Port injection, computerized automatic transmissions, and were designed entirely on computers.
 
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: StevieC
I could understand a bit of work to get it out, but all those steps listed above are just ridiculous. I bet you the power steering pump is easy to replace because it never needs to be on most cars...

Designers need to think... Why were older cars easier to service?

Depends on the older car...
On Ford Mustangs where a big block was stuffed into the space of a small block, work was a major pain.

Oh, and define exactly what you mean by older. Nissan FWD Maximas and 300ZX models from the 1980s were a serious pain to work on, and they were prone to alternator failure, P/S rack failure, compressor failure, as well as other stuff. They may just be considered a modern car because they have Multi Port injection, computerized automatic transmissions, and were designed entirely on computers.


Lumina Z34 is apparently a nightmare to change the alt on. You have to drop the K-member or something?
 
70's and some early 80's... All the cars I seen growing up you could practically hide under the hood with the engine!
LOL.gif
 
Originally Posted By: StevieC
Mine is at the back of the engine. 2 bolts and it's off. I checked this out already in my Technical manual.
grin2.gif


Lots of space to get at it, and an easy disconnect for the wiring, you don't even have to disconnect the battery!


Not bad, Ford was using quick disconnects on the alternators in the 80's
wink.gif
Switched to the "eye" setup that needs to be unbolted with the 3G due to current capacity.

I bet not every Hyundai has an easy to change alt though
wink.gif
 
Originally Posted By: StevieC
Sisters was, and the same engine that Hyundai uses in my mom's Kia is very easy... Upfront and 2 bolts again!


I'll have to check my aunt's Tucson next time she's up
wink.gif
 
ok, just to clarify, the escape (even though it is a 2002) has less than 40Kmiles on it. i am now looking at the repair manual and the replacement steps are pretty much as listed above. fyi, the 4-cyl engine is much much much easier, but the v6 as listed above is a major pain.
 
If it's the 6 cyl its the same engine (2.7 Litre) and probably the same alternator as mine...

Only the 2.7 was offered for the Tuscon.
 
Originally Posted By: StevieC
If it's the 6 cyl its the same engine (2.7 Litre) and probably the same alternator as mine...

Only the 2.7 was offered for the Tuscon.


Well, we'll find out when I see it
grin2.gif
 
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