How do i change my alternator?

i have a 99 chevy silverado and i can't take the thing off? i undid the two screws in the front but it still won't budge is there another screw somewhere i don't know about? also any tips when installing my new one? what should i watch out for? thanks for all your guys help.
How do i change my alternator?
I am doing this very same thing on the very same truck..lol



I have a '99 silverado 5.3 extended cab. first you need to remove the hot cable from the battery. Next remove the 2 bolts from the bottom of the alternator. Next unbolt the battery and power wire cables from the back, making sure to put the bolts back so you don't loose them after you take the wires off. Next take a 1/2 rachet and socket to the belt tensioner nut on the pulley and turn it counterclockwise...this will loosen the belt and allow you to take the belt off and remove the alternator. Once removed...reverse the process looking at the belt diagram on the fan shroud to get it back right. You may have to take a flat blade screwdriver and remove part of the air intake to get to the tensioner, which is on the left side of the engine while facing the truck...



Good luck....it's easy.
How do i change my alternator?
first remove the battery connection..maybe the positive cable..then there is still a set of bolt and nuts at the bottom.
REMOVAL PROCEDURE



CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notices.







Disconnect the battery negative cable.

Disconnect the terminal plug from the back of the generator.

Disconnect the battery lead from the back of the generator.

Remove the upper fan shroud as needed.

Remove the drive belt.

Remove the generator mounting bolts holding the generator to the brace and the bracket(two on front,one on back).

Remove the generator.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE







Install the generator. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Perform the following procedure in order to install the generator mounting bolts holding the generator to the bracket and the brace

2.1. Loosely install the generator mounting bolts holding the generator to the bracket and the brace.

2.2. Install the brace attachment.

2.3. Tighten the generator mounting bolts holding the generator to the bracket and the brace.



Tighten

Tighten the generator mounting bolts holding the generator to the bracket and the brace to 50 N.m (37 lb ft) .







Install the drive belt to the generator.

Install the upper fan shroud as needed.

Connect the battery lead to the back of the generator. Tighten Tighten the battery terminal nut to 8 N.m (71 lb in) .

Connect the terminal plug to the back of the generator.

Connect the battery negative cable.
Andrew-



I think the screws that you are referring to are the alternator case screws. You are looking for two or three large hex bolts that are mounted on the rear of the alternator and attached to the mounting brackets of the front of the engine. These bolts are going to require a ratchet and socket to remove from the bracket. More than likely they are 15mm hex bolts and they do face forward in most cases.



Depending on the engine type there will be either two or three of these bolts. Sometimes the alternator case has what is called a dog ear that sticks out from the rear of the alternator case. These are the bolts you need to remove in order to pull the alternator from your vehicle.



The screws that I think you are referring to actually hold the alternator together. These were probably about 4 inches long and went completely through the alternator. Right? You need to replace these before you remove the alternator. You might have a little excitement on your hands if you don't.



Here is some advice about obtaining a new alternator. Get one from the Parts Department at Chevrolet. I have been working for GM for a few years in their parts house, (currently) and as a Mechanic.



The alternators you get from your aftermarket stores are not very good quality. These items are normally pulled from wrecking yards and wholesaled out to a rebuilder which tests them, cleans them, and only repairs what is wrong with them. Then these are sent out to the parts stores and sold as a rebuilt unit with a lifetime warranty. After you have installed 3 or 4 of them you might get a good one.



GM, Ford, Chrysler, and most other Dealership Parts Houses, send the units out to Factory Authorized Service Centers for a complete remanufacturing process. At GM the alternators and starters are completely dis-assembled and all of the internal parts discarded. The only parts that are used again, (provided they meet specifications), are the outer cases.



All of the bearings, wiring, circuits, and internal parts are completely new. But because the outer case was recycled, we are required to call them remanufactured products. Also GM parts all carry a 12 month or 12,000 Mile Warranty from GM. So if the part fails in that period of time, just bring it back with your receipt, and you will get handed a new part.



Just be sure that you show up at the parts department with your VIN so we can get you the correct alternator the first time through.



While you are in there, I would also suggest that you get a new serpentine belt and replace it along with your alternator. Don't forget to check you battery, and clean the terminals and any other connections.



Good Luck, and I hope I helped you out.