I have to replave the alternator in my 94 Diamante wagon but the darn thing is way down in the rear of the motor. Does anyone know the easiest way to get to it? I see a plastic cover under the wheelwell that comes off. Might that be the way to access the alternator or maybe from underneith?

 

There is no easy way to do it. It is going to be grunt work and tough. You are going to have remove that splash cover under the wheel well by jacking it up and also remove some components on the top of the engine compartment to reach adjusting bolt and lock nut. Once you do that you have to loosen the pivot bolt that is connected from under the car which loosens the timing belt enough to release the altenator. Then you have to make room to lift the alternator through the top of the compartment. This is not a step by step instruction but it a loose idea of all the work that has to be done. You can go to any advanced auto parts store and the HAYNES manual for step by step instructions. BUT IT WONT BE EASY. TRUST ME. I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SAME THING!!!!

 

I know this is an old post, but i just got through replacing mine... You have to remove the intake manifold plenum stays, the engine roll stopper bar, intake hose on the throttle body. Then after unbolting alternator fish it over to the passenger side along the firewall and it'll come out, it may seem like it's not going to work, but just turn it all different ways to get it to clear. It's not quite as bad as it looks! The chiltons manual says to remove from beneath the car, don't believe it. Also, it's not necessary to go thru wheel well, but it does make it a little easier to unbolt alternator. Cheers

 

Also, you won't be dealing with the timing belt, period. Just the drive belt and tensioner.

 

GOD!!! you really want to do it yourself instead of just buying the part and just pay the mechanic to install it?

Make sure you haveall the TOOLs

 

Doing it yourself is half the fun! Besides, the shops here have flat out refused to do it, excepting the dealer-you know the rest.