Alternator, tension pulley, belt replacement

[PaHumBug]

Hi all,
Is there any reason why I can't replace these things myself? Seems like a simple enough job at first glance. Dealer wanted $400 to do it which seems outrageous.

[Hellz]

you can replace all those yourself easily.

while your also replacing the alt, would be a good time to upgrade the wiring to 0 gauge wires while your at it.

the Alt is a 145 amp.
there are 200 amp ones out on Ebay for like $125 to $175 ish, or you can buy higher end ones but more $$$.

no idea on OEM replacement cost, but i imagine somewhere around the $250ish area give or take a $100

[PaHumBug]

Thanks Hellz.

Is there anything I need to watch for when buying something other than OEM? Is this a good choice:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Humme...item1e60c86c31

[Hellz]

im no expert.. so hopefully someone could chime in here.

i think the main thing to be concerned about is that it mounts up correctly, and the pulley.

you may have to remove the pulley from your old alt and put on the new one. otherwise im sure you can purchase a new pulley for it too.

for the wiring upgrade i was talking about do a google search for "the big 3"
look for any links that have to do with car audio, from there you should be able to get the idea of what needs to be done.

[PaHumBug]

Please clarify "right materials". Any special tools?

[Hellz]

a socket wrench
a socket that will fit the bolt

should be about all you will need

[splne1]

Very very easy!!! Replaced mine with a 200amp and it too about 45 minutes at the most. Good luck!

[PaHumBug]

Finally getting around to this. Is there a difference between a tension pulley and an idler pulley? Dealer said tension pulley but I can't find them, just idler pulleys. Is GM parts direct the best place to go or should I just check local auto zone?

thanks

[SmokeyJoe]

When looking at the front of the motor its on the upper most left pully. Put a socket on the long nut and turn it to loosen the tension.

[jarek m]

change the AC pulley while you at it it's smaller one below the one you working on.