difficulty getting to alternator bolts! HELP!!

[missionx96x]

im trying to replace my alternator belt but I am having a hard time getting to the top bolt. i got the tensioner bolt loose a little bit, but the alternator will not move unless i loosen the top bolt but i cannot get a wrench or socket in there. what can i do please help me!!!!

thanks
jeff

 

[luv2rallye]

I just had mine off. A 12mm wrench fits in there just fine. Loosen the top one 2-3 turns. Then loosen the one in the yoke until you can swing it up out of the yoke. If alt still won't move, loosen the nut on the long alt mounting bolt (thru and under the alt) with a socket 2-3 turns (this one sometimes pinches the alt so hard that it can't move). If still won't budge loosen the alt bracket bolt on the water pump. That's all of them. A little nudge with a crowbar against the alt will move it although it should now move with your fingers. If still have problems, remove the PS pump.

 

[Carter97GSX]

On a side note, make sure you take the battery out before you start working on the alternator. I'm not going to name names *blush* but I know a guy who discovered the hard way that the bolt on the left hand side of the alternator beneath the rubber boot is ELECTRIFIED! I'm sure you can picture the scene.