Hyundai Repair: alternator, mounting bolt, santa fe 2


Question
2003 Santa Fe 2.7  Alternator is making bearing noise when idle in gear.  Noise is getting worse.  Planning on replacing alternator.  How hard of a repair?

Answer
It'll require a little contortion, but it's not too bad.  Definitely easier on a lift, though.

1.  Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2.  Remove the engine cover.
3.  Unplug the alternator and remove the main power wire lug.  (I usually do this later from underneath, but that'll be very difficult without a lift.)
4.  Release the belt tension and slip the belt off of a pulley.
5.  Jack the right front corner of the vehicle and support with a jack stand.
6.  Remove the right front wheel.
7.  Remove the right front engine splash shield.
8.  Unclip the oxygen sensor wire from the bracket on the alternator.
9.  Remove the upper 12mm bolt attaching the alternator.
10.  Loosen the 14mm nut retaining the bottom of the alternator.
11.  Slide the alternator out of the slot in the lower mounting bracket.
12.  Remove the alternator through the area where the right front splash shield was.  It should barely fit through above the axle.
13.  Transfer the lower mounting bolt to the new alternator.
14.  Install in the reverse order of removal.