The Alt. looks very tight ,any info from someone who has changed one on this car.Thanks.
Need to change Alternator on 2001 Mazda 626 2.0L?
Spray wd-40 on the bolts and let it soak for a few minutes. Don't use regular wrenches, get a 1/4 or even a 1/2 inch drive, and extension, and the correct size socket, probably a metric size. You may even need a breaker bar to get the bolts off. If they still won't come off, or you are afraid that the bolts will break, then you will need to use an air gun to remove the bolts. Not an air wrench, but a heavy duty air gun (the kind that is used for lug nuts). Be careful when you remove the last bolt, because the alternator may snap in one direction because of the tightness of the belt. Use a crowbar when installing the new alt. Put the bolts in but do not tighten until you put pressure on the crowbar, which will draw the belt tight. When you have the right tension on the belt, then tighten the nuts. Good luck.
