Talk:Automobile Repair/99 mercury cougar alternator replacement

The Automobile Repair/99 mercury cougar alternator replacement is a great guide to assist even an experienced DIY mechanic. Please read the original method so to familiarize yourself with all the techniques and steps not laid out in the Alternate. My brother has the '99 Cougar that needed the alternator replaced. We were pleasantly surprised with the Alternate Method stating: This task can also be accomplished WITHOUT removing the drive shafts, or the steering knuckle pinch bolt and separate the ball joint, the "Y"-shaped exhaust pipe. We did need to disconnect the tie rod end from the "A"-shaped suspension arm component. We pulled the cotter pin and removed the castle nut and replaced it castle-up to protect the threads and hit it with a maul to break it loose. I would never state: Jack the car up as high as possible, as if you jack a vehicle to high it becomes unstable. In any case support it properly with jack stands. This may need some investigation to know where and how to jack and place the stands. 4. Remove the serpentine belt from the alternator by relieving tension of the tensioner arm by using a 3/8" square drive ratchet or breaker bar (there is a 3/8" square hole in the arm), release tension on the belt and work the belt off of an accessory. We found the A/C pump to be the easiest to lift off. We think you need two experienced DIYers. There are three bolts on the V6 130 amp alternator, two long shoulder bolts on the two arms and one in the top back of the alternator housing. The top one is just barely visible through the rear exhaust pipe and converter. You can see all three when your hand or tools aren't in the way. And carefully remove the output, heavy Red wire and lug with 10mm, the 3 wire connector with wire bar release and single lamp wire with a plastic clip, before lowering and removing from its home through the fender and suspension area. We were so blessed to find this repair guide. It is my first wiki edit or discussion. So comments are welcome. Gaclyde (discuss • contribs) 04:07, 16 November 2011 (UTC)