2002 thunderbird alternator removal tips | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

  • We're glad you found us via a search engine! Right now, you can join our club absolutely free and unlock member only features like the site search! This notice only appears once! It only takes 30 seconds to register, and we would love to have you as part of the World's largest Thunderbird Forum/Club! Click here to continue

  • 2002-05 Owners. As of August 2022 there is now an entire suspension kit for sale! Scroll down to the bottom of the first post click here.

2002 thunderbird alternator removal tips

  • Thread starter Thread starter chelovd123
  • Start date Start date
C

chelovd123

Click here to upgrade
Reaction score
0
Thunderbird Year
2002
It's impossible. I have been trying to remove an alternator on a 2002 Thurnderbird, and it's not possible.. Removed the main bolts, I believe they are 13mm or 15mm.. It is still attached to something behind or above, some bolt, but there is no space to get there

I see what looks like 2 10mm far above and behind, but those don't seem to be related. Giving up on my Tbird

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
chelovd123 said:
It's impossible. I have been trying to remove an alternator on a 2002 Thurnderbird, and it's not possible.. Removed the main bolts, I believe they are 13mm or 15mm.. It is still attached to something behind or above, some bolt, but there is no space to get there

I see what looks like 2 10mm far above and behind, but those don't seem to be related. Giving up on my Tbird
Click to expand...
Never mind guys, I took it out, there isn't much space to wiggle, but it can just get stuck.. I used a long pry bar to loosen it, and it came out.. It's tricky to get it out entirely, it needs quite a few rotations to get it out without removing anything else..
 
chelovd123 said:
Never mind guys, I took it out, there isn't much space to wiggle, but it can just get stuck.. I used a long pry bar to loosen it, and it came out.. It's tricky to get it out entirely, it needs quite a few rotations to get it out without removing anything else..
Click to expand...
You were more successful than me. I even removed the lower control arm with no improvement in ability to get it out. it is still laying there and I am stumped. I am doing this on jack stands, so no room for anything long to use as a pry bar. I bought a digital repair manual long ago online, but it does not properly address 2002s. I informed the seller, but he is still selling it.
 
I have a positive update. In order to remove the alternator on my 02, I disconnected the anti-sway bar links, then used a floor jack to lift up and hold the sway bar up and out of the way. I placed the jack on the driver side of the car so it would not be in my way. Once the sway bar was up and out of the way, I was able to stretch the A/C line out of the way with a pry bar and twist the alternator out. I am replacing the alternator with a new one. Though the alternator was working, it was the original, and absolutely soaked with hydraulic fluid from a leaking hydraulic cooling pump, which is also coming out. When I am done with this, I will never want to do it again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top