How to: Change the alternator on a 2nd gen Tacoma.

bagleboy · Oct 1, 2021

07tacoark said: ↑

Is it me or did I get sabotaged?? I used some pointers from this thread & replaced the alternator, hooked everything back up & worked.

I replaced the tensioner pulley while I was down there, broke the tensioner's hole where you insert a bit/screwdriver/etc but replaced it was. Afterwards there was NO MORE SQUEALING!

Fast forward a few days, I went to the Toyota dealership to get diagnostics on my radiator cooling system & they found nothing wrong. I get in my truck, still at normal temp, head home with no noises. The next day I went to start it, my God at the squealing it ain't ever done before like that.

I went to lunch meeting today & when I started it up to head there the squealing was even worse. I sounded like those people we all stop & stare at... It was that bad!! I know damn well I fixed what was needed w/ no noises.

So ... Anyone else have the noise come back 300% worse after what all I had to do??
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The stealership sprayed squeakmore on it.

Chuy · Oct 2, 2021

Since you replaced the alternator and the tensioner pulley, I would first suspect a bad bearing in one of those components. Were those quality components that you used? If ok, I would check the belt for scorch marks. Then, check the rest of the pulley bearings, including the water pump and power steering. If you still can't find the cause, look up a youtube video from South Main Auto on how to make your own stethoscope using shop tools to locate a noisy pulley.

EdinCincinnati · Aug 8, 2023

I replaced my alternator today and could not take out from the top, had to remove mud skirt and take out through wheel well.

TyBud850 · Oct 11, 2024

TacomaPrime[OP] initial post: ↑

Had to do this recently and found an easier way then what the FSM suggests.

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal!

2. Remove the front skid plate. It is held in place by 4 12mm bolts.

3. Use a breaker bar to rotate the tensioner COUNTERclockwise. This is the only socket size i cannot remember. I believe it may be 14 mm, but don't quote me on that. Once the tension is released, remove the belt.

4. Remove the gray cap, and undo the 9mm nut towards the rear of the alternator. then remove the 2 10mm bolts near where the grey cover was. Toward the front of the alternator, there is also another 10 mm bolt holding on another clip. Undo that. Also, at this point, unplug the wiring harness plug that plugs into the alternator. Pic below.

5. Remove the two bolts that hold the alternator to the engine block. The bottom one is not visible in the below pic.(pic below).

The top one is 14mm, or 9/16's will work in a pinch. The top one is easy to get to. At this point, there is 1 bolt holding the alternator to the engine block. It may be helpful to have a friend nearby to hold onto the alternator for you. The bottom 14mm bolt that holds the alternator to the engine block is much easier to get to from underneath the truck, that is why I removed the front skid plate. Once you remove these two 14mm bolts the alternator will be free.

6. Pull the alternator out through the top of the engine bay. You will have to move a radiator hose and maybe an AC line out of the way a little bit to get it out, but it WILL come out this way!.

7. Put everything back in reverse order.
8. Pat yourself on the back, cause you just saved your self a bunch of money on labor!
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How to: Change the alternator on a 2nd gen Tacoma.

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How to: Change the alternator on a 2nd gen Tacoma.

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