Stripped Bolt in old alternator preventing replacement?

DISCERGURL

MEMBER
2015 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
167,000 MILES

A bolt attaching the alternator to a bracket is stripped pretty badly. We've tried vice grips, extractor sockets and have had no luck removing it. We are now debating removing the bracket from the engine block and whatever else is attached to it (water pump and housing) all together, then purchasing a new bracket and bolt to get the new alternator installed. What would you do?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi,

Which bolt is stripped? Is it the top or bottom one? As far as removing the bracket, that may be more work than needed. Can you take a pic and upload it so I can see what you are dealing with?

Also, what type of extractor was used? Is there enough access to the bolt to cut the stripped portion off? I've used a whizzer wheel to cut as much of a bolt off and then a chisel to cut anything remaining. Once that is off, you can remove the alternator. The threaded portion will still be in the alternator, but you are replacing it, so that wouldn't matter. You could simply replace the bolt.

I attached a pic below of the type of wheel I used in the past.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)