mitchell.mark•17h agoProlific Poster

Rant: That alternator replacement that took 6 hours instead of 90 minutes

So I swapped out my alternator last Saturday on my 2010 Honda Accord. Every video and forum post said it was a straight 60 to 90 minute job. But they didn't mention the top bolt that's hidden behind the power steering pump bracket. I spent over 3 hours just trying to get a ratchet in there at the right angle. Then I stripped one of the bolts because I couldn't see what I was doing. Ended up having to run to AutoZone for a bolt extractor set that cost me 22 bucks. By the time I finished it was dark out and my back was killing me. Has anyone else found a trick to get that top bolt out without pulling the whole pump bracket off?

2 comments

2 Comments

gray_smith6712h ago

Did you try a swivel socket with a wobble extension? Heard some guys swear by it for that exact spot on the Accord.

rileyl6716m ago

Yeah, I saw that tip from gray_smith67 about the swivel socket with a wobble extension. Did you try it yourself on that top bolt, or is it just something you've heard works? Because I keep seeing people say it's the trick but nobody ever mentions how many u-joints or extensions you actually need to reach it without losing all your torque. Feels like every forum just assumes it's a magic fix but never shows the exact setup. I'm still pissed I spent 22 bucks on an extractor set I'll probably never use again just because of one stupid bolt.