I've got a '97 DX non-vtec, and I have had problems with dimming dash lights and headlights for a while now... I had the alternator checked, and found that it is not charging properly. With the engine running, the battery only has 12.1-12.4 volts, which should be up around 14.

I want to replace the alternator and have a rebuilt one from Autozone. I also have the Haynes manual, but it says I have to partially remove the axle to pull it out the bottom. When I was having the alternator checked, the guy at the shop said you can unbolt the master cylinder from the firewall and gently flex the lines to create enough space to get it out the top. Anybody have experience replacing one?

Any help is greatly appreciated, Thanks in advance!

 

No need to remove the axle. I have done this several times for my Civic. It's a reasonably straightforward job. Take alternator out from below.

Put front end on stands. Remove front splash shield and the driver's side wheel. Remove the alternator electrical connections, adjusting bolt, and through bolt:

 

Ive replaced the one on my car 4 times now. I was able to turn it sideways and move it towards the engine and then, with a little bit of maneuvering, slip it past the axle. But yours is a little bit newer then mine and might be alittle different. I think they're pretty similar though.

 

Before replacing the alternator, check the belt, also since you have a '97 check for the common shorted wiring harness problem. This will make it seem the alternator is weak since the harness is not powering it up properly.

The alternator can be removed from below, the trick is to lift the car in a way that the left front wheel is hanging down freely. Driving the car up on ramps will not work because the axle is still pushed up then.

 

i have it on stands and the splash guard and wheel off... I've been trying to maneuver it past the axle, but cannot get it past... any tips?

 

The alternator should slide right out in a lateral movement toward the driver's wheel. It does not come out by dropping straight down.

 

I tried to slide it towards the outside, but there is a rubber ring around the axle that prevents it from coming out. it can't get past that point...

 

Try turning the wheel all the way to the right or left. Also post some clear photographs of the alternator and problem area.

 

here are a few... the alternator is resting on the axle with the ring that is holding it in in front of it.

 

The rubber ring is the axle damper. Rotate the alternator in various positions. It should come out by raising it above and to the left of the axle damper and then moving it toward the camera that shot the leftmost picture. Again, also try moving the steering wheel in the extreme positions, which should slightly reposition the axle. Finally, if I remember correctly, the damper is not completely rigid, allowing for slight repositioning to extract the alternator.