alternator replacement
 

I have a 97 Protege and was wondering how hard is it to replace the alternator? Is there anything special that I might need? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have a 97 too, and I have been plenty under and over the car, so the only thing I might suggest is that it is going to be a bitch to get to it. I think it might be easier to lift the car. But I am not 100% sure, so don't take my word for it.

yeah that altenator will be a pain in the ass to get out , shoot, I don't know if it is easier from the top or the bottom of the car..
Bruce

I think from the bottom. I just remembered looking at my car at work last Saturday, and only now I remembered where it is. I think it will be easier to lift the car, but as for tools I have no idea.

yeah my alternator just took a crap...and its $170 to replace?!?!?!?! thats crazy...and i have no clue how i am gonna replace this either...

The altenator fits up through. If you have cruise and or a strut bar remove also there is a solenod on the side of the intake manifold that you remove ( 10mm headed bolt holds this ) and it should come up between the pass strut tower and manifold. A 14 mm holds the alt. on the bottom and the adjuster bracket bolt is a 12 mm.

so its best to go at it from the top then basically???

thats the way I get them at work . 626 FS i'll get from below but 2gen Protege from top is easier.