Alternator Removal

[Urbanite]

I'm wanting to replace my alternator but I'm concerned that I dont have the space to get it out of that valley. I've watched some YouTube to help, but none of them showed that canister at bottom of that line coming out of the radiator, as shown in attached picture. Is that line/tube removable? At least to allow for more space to get alternator out.

 

[m3y3rRunner]

The Alternator is not the easiest to take out but it isn't too bad. It does slip out that corner.

That is not a stock canister, it appears to be an added on transmission filter? You could clamp the hose and disconnect it and not loose much fluid. Would make it much easier to remove.

 

[MikeinNH67]

As mentioned that looks like an add-on filter. I don't recall having that on mine. The alternator isn't terribly hard to swap.

 

[Too Stroked]

That is not a stock canister, it appears to be an added on transmission filter? You could clamp the hose and disconnect it and not loose much fluid. Would make it much easier to remove.

The hacked zip tie is a dead give away that's it's not factory.

 

[Urbanite]

Without truck running, I’d assume removing the filter or canister shouldn’t cause too much fluid loss, whatever that is. After disconnecting line, I’ll try to cap it immediately to minimize fluid loss. The clamps used on that line are also cheap and non factory. I got a closer picture and it says on that canister, “For Power Steering or Transmission Fluid.”

 

[81runner]

Seems ill-advised. Not sure I've ever seen that on a 4runner before. About all you need for room is to remove that filter( would be nice to know why it was put there) and I usually take my battery out when I'm going after the alternator, give me more access.

 

[Urbanite]

I got the truck like that and I don't know why previous owner had that thing put in there. I hope it's not under pressure when I remove it. Yes removing battery will make removing alternator easier.

 

[firebirdguy]

I got the truck like that and I don't why previous owner had that thing put in there. I hope it's not under pressure when I remove it. Yes removing battery will make removing alternator easier.

its not under pressure when the engine is off, might get a little fluid drain out but shouldnt be much, undo it at the top clamp & swing it out of the way but keep it upright to not loose any more fluid in the canister or line.

 

[riceandpho]

unclip the wire harness and unbolt the bracket, also always disconnect the battery, remove it if you have too. upgrade the wires if you want. do the big 3 with some 4 gauge cable or go 0 gauge and be future proof. you can remove the alternator without undoing the cooler lines.

 

[ZiaMan]

Not sure why everyone is getting the vapors and gnashing their teeth over this.

You have an in-line transmission filter, most likely from a company called Magnefine. It provides a higher level of filtration than the in pan filter and has a built in magnet to help keep your trans fluid cleaner, longer.

To remove it, you just need a double-male barb (most like 3/8") and a couple hose clamps.

I've run them on a bunch of vehicles, no issue.