Chrysler Repair: Replace alternator on 97 sebring JXi Convert, pivot bolt, general mechanic

Question
I am trying to remove the alternator from a 2.5L sebring convertible.  The pivot bolt enters from the engine side.  I can touch it, but can't figure out how to remove it.  Do I have to remove the AC compressor and mounting bracket, or is there some trick?

Answer
Hi RJ,
Your question just showed up this morning at the "pool" to which it had been forwarded. If you haven't figured this out yet here is what the manual suggests: After removing the electricals,
remove top mounting ear bolt
loosen pivot bolt, but do not remove, be careful not to loose nut
loosen adjusting bolt on idler to allow removal of drive belt
remove pivot bolt, do not drop spacer
remove top mounted ear bolt
remove upper generator bracket
remove generator

This is the same in both the '96 and '98 manuals so it has to be the same for your '97

Roland


Thanks for the input, my general mechanic shop owner buddy read me exact same sequence. But I just finshed, here's how you really do it: 1. Remove top alternator mounting ear bolt and bracket. 2. Loosen belt. 3. Remove four AC compressor mounting bolts, but not AC lines. 4. Pust AC compressor away from engine, toward right wheel. 5. Now you can finally get a socket on the pivot bolt and remove it. There is no spacer to drop, only the usual spacer that is inserted into the bottom rear mounting ear. 6. Remove alternator through top, you can snake it around to get it out.



Hi RJ,
Thanks for that correction. Now you have me checking things out more closely. The instructions I (and your friend) listed initially were from both the '98 Sebring convert manual and the '96 Cirrus manual.
Now I also took a look at the '95 and '00 Sebring sedan manuals and find a third way: remove both accessory drive belts, then the intake manifold plenum, generator bracket, intake manifold plenum stay, generator harness connector, then generator; then? tensioner pulley bracket, tensioner pulley, generator bracket (those last three may not be necessary but I can't be sure).  
Very interesting how many ways you might consider to sort this out, no? Thanks for your way, which I have added above so that other owners can be aware of this if they check the archive.
Roland