Alternator question ! (PIC) Nut on back of alternator does not loosen !
 

Tried loosening the but and heart a faint tick and the harness started to rotate with the nut. I marked the tip of the bolt and it's rotating with the nut.

Everything is right and secure so I can leave it but I'm thinking to sort it out now while it's all accessible.

Does the alternator need to come apart to fix this ? This is the nut..

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psahw2eypg.jpg

Thanks on advance :)

Re: Alternator question ! (PIC) Nut on back of alternator does not loosen !
 

Yes. The head of that bolt is square inside the alternator. Looking at your pic I see a cracked through hole bolt insulator which will also need to be replaced so that you don't get a short from battery to ground. I bet that insulator cracked when the bolt spun. I would replace these parts as soon as possible.

Re: Alternator question ! (PIC) Nut on back of alternator does not loosen !
 

Yep your going to need to open it up as its spinning inside

Re: Alternator question ! (PIC) Nut on back of alternator does not loosen !
 

I would have to guess someone overtightened it before me. That's exactly how it was before I started. all I did was put a socket on and the bolt and socket both rotate so I cant loosen it.

Looks like Ill be getting a lesson on rebuilding alternators too :dancing

Re: Alternator question ! (PIC) Nut on back of alternator does not loosen !
 

Does it matter that everything is still tight the way it is? I was hoping to get to putting the plenum back together and now this.. :/

Basically I was loosening it because I was going to add wire to go to the battery plus another ground off the case to the battery. A car audio upgrade that pretty much only has benefits so I figured why not (big 3/4 upgrade)

Re: Alternator question ! (PIC) Nut on back of alternator does not loosen !
 

Try to loosen it with a 3/8 impact gun if available.

Re: Alternator question ! (PIC) Nut on back of alternator does not loosen !
 

I would say for peace of mind and safety sake that I would replace those parts especially that insulator. That insulator cannot be substituted for by anything else but the right one.

Re: Alternator question ! (PIC) Nut on back of alternator does not loosen !
 

Appreciate the Input. Didn't think much of the cracked plastic but I watched a few rebuild videos at work and didn't realize they sell every little piece for these. I'll be pulling it apart shortly when I get home and I'll look to replace that piece and do it right.

Is there a replacement alternator that is considered an upgrade to the original ? Not a fan of rebuilt alternators as they're sometimes hit or miss in my experience.

Re: Alternator question ! (PIC) Nut on back of alternator does not loosen !
 

I`d be concerned about the wire that is attached to the head of the bolt. Its actually a simple job to repair. Check you-tube on GM alternator rebuilding.

Re: Alternator question ! (PIC) Nut on back of alternator does not loosen !
 

Hey Mike these are pretty easy to work on,the biggest challenge is getting the brush holder straightened out.There is a hole in the brush holder and this is what holds the brushes back while the armature goes back in the housing.Send me a P.M. and I can give you some tips.