Alternator replacement on 2007 Yaris

[Slipangle]

Stuff like this is part of why I got into engineering, because this really ticks me off. This is just bad design for service.

The alternator comes off with 2 bolts, right. These bolts aren't so hard to access, not enough space for the 1/2" drive socket wrench I would've liked to use to get enough leverage, and only barely enough swing to get 1 click, but it worked.

But while they barely managed enough space for a wrench, the Toyota engineers apparently didn't really think about the fact that the lower mounting bolt actually has to come out for this common service procedure.

The alternator bracket has to come out and maybe that'll do the job, but again, not enough space left for a socket wrench or an adjustable, and I am probably wasting more time than it would take posting here than it would to just go buy the box wrench I can't find, but I'm pretty well not able to do that since the wife is traveling and the kids are asleep.

Unless anyone has any quick tips on getting past this, maybe the venting at least will help I guess.

[Bluevitz-rs]

^ yeah, I was just ginna say, it looks like it's hitting the A/C line bracket. Unbolt it and move it outa the way and you should be golden!

[Slipangle]

Yeah, after I got done being pissed about bad design for service I figured out where my 10 mm socket was, put an extension on and got it out. But there's no reason that bracket couldn't have been put about 10 mm forward so the bolt would clear.

[mazilla]

Originally Posted by Slipangle

Yeah, after I got done being pissed about bad design for service I figured out where my 10 mm socket was, put an extension on and got it out. But there's no reason that bracket couldn't have been put about 10 mm forward so the bolt would clear.

Keep that 10 mm handy, it'll take apart a good deal of the car...

[2o6]

Oh my god, I am having the same problem.