Well... im back just as quickly with a new question; How do you get the alternator out of the engine bay. It seems pretty evident where the bolts are, but how do you physically access it to pull it out and replace it ?

Also, how do you relieve the tension on the tensioner pulley?

For the trnsioner pulley, there are two bolts that hold the pully on. You have to loosen up the bolt on the left, and then use a wrench on the bottom of the tensioner. When you look at it you can see where and adjustable will fit on the end. Push it down. It's not easy, like a normal tension release, but eventually it will work. When I did it I ended up taking the tension release all the way off, but like you I still can't get the alternator out of the engine compartment. So if you have had any breakthroughs I would appreciate it if you could let me in on it.

Thanks man.

Pete

I have a 99 Sonata and I changed the alternator in that last night. What I had to do was remove a wire harnes bracket, and it took two sets of hands to maneuver the alternator up and out the top of the engine. I know it looks like you can take it from the bottom, but the half shaft is in the way. With enough manipulation though, it will come up and out from the top. You just have to work it out. It took us about a half hour in total. Good luck.

Pete