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Easy way to replace my alternator on my 1995 Renault Clio 1.8 F3P engine?

I need to replace my alternator on my 1995 Renault Clio 1.8 F3P engine. The Haynes manual details that I need to take the front right wheel and headlight off to gain access. Is there an easier quicker way to do it or is this just wishful thinking on my part? Any help or suggestions gratefully received. Cheers Andy.

Andy B, August 2009

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Just in case anyone finds themselves in a similiar predicament to myself, I have now replaced my alternator without the need to remove the front off side wheel. I only needed to remove the front headlight to get access to the adjustble bolt. Cheers.

Andy B, August 2009

I was going to buy a mini but opted for a suzuki wagon R - looks the business and was much quicker point to point

jenson button, August 2009

I despair at Colin Bharalis, using Andy’s predicament to off load what I suspect to be a poor imitation of the true Mini’s once used in the classic film ‘The Italian Job’…. shame on you man!!

To quote Rabbie Burns you’re ‘A Fiddler in the North’

Jean-Pierre Loch, August 2009

My flux capacitor has run out of banana skins.

Dr Emmett Brown, August 2009

I think the best thing to do is to scrap the Clio and buy a Mini.

Colin Bharalis, August 2009

Forget this damm Alternator...why not simply remove the floor of the Car...If it was good enough for the Flintstones......!!!

Bedrock Auto Centre, August 2009

Joking apart I think we should all get together and help Andy, he sounds like a genuine chap who needs a bit of useful advice. I think he is ace!

Nick B, August 2009

Yes, I see your point and stand corrected.

G Poll (Tring), August 2009

Harold, that won't work. We're taking about the offside, not the leg side.

Lewis Reynolds, August 2009

Ahhh now that's a different kettle of beans altogether.

With the help of some well-meaning chums, just flip the car onto its roof. Everything is now get-atable.

Harold Larwood, August 2009

I met Axle once he was gigging at the Apollo, in between fixing alternators on Renault Clio's.

BTW the 11 nuts and 3 bolts are for sale if anybody wants them let me know and I will send you a list of sizes.

BuzzerB, August 2009

Just remove the wheel and follow your instincts, The Haynes manuals are pretty shite. Some useful advice take it to the workshop if your unsure about removing wheels. The alternator can get hot so wear some thick gloves and safety glasses and lubricate your hand with some jelly.

Peter Jones, August 2009

Sorry, did I say alternator? I meant axle.

Andy B, August 2009

In many ways changing the alternator is much like making love to a beautiful woman. It's got to be hot and you've got to take your time.

swiss toni, August 2009

I asked my brother-in-law how best for you to proceed. He said it wasn't an easy job for someone to take on, despite what the Haynes manual says.

He said that if you can get in with a long-handled ratchet (or put a length of tubing on a short one) and a short (2 inch) extension then you can probably loosen the bolts and free the alternator casing. Be careful not to drop the bolts under the engine though.

My brother-in-law is only in year 9, but I'm sure he knows his stuff. I'm a girl, so don't understand any of it. Someone once told me that you need a fairy liquid bottle to fill the oil up down the dipstick hole. The man in Halfords was crying.

Mary Decker-Slaney, August 2009

I see we have a few jokers here, but Andy, take mine and Bob's advice. It's easy IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. So that's a TFAS or an OHDARW. Not an OHSARW, though.

But just remember the four key rules of alternators...

Patrick Clement, August 2009

My grandad drove one during the war. He swore blind.

Fritz Furtleburger, August 2009

No problem andy - with the torque feed angle armed spanner you'll need to loosen the bolts so you can reflux the wiring - treat it like a carburettor and you'll be fine. Don't forget the 3 key rules of alternators though.....

bobthebuilder, August 2009

While the torque-feed angle-armed spanner is an excellent tool for the job, it's a bit specialised. I worked at a dealership, and found that an offset-handle double-action ratchet wrench did just as good a job at half the price.

Ask at Halfords, but be specific: they may try to sell you the single-action one, but it won't do the job.

Patrick Clement, August 2009

I went in through the exhaust pipe with an endoscope. Keyhole mechanics is the future.

H K Phooey, August 2009

Alternators on those French cars are a nightmare!!! When I did mine I had to remove the bonnet….stand on the roof and dangle my girlfriend by the ankles…she was not best pleased as her hair got caught in the ‘Fan Belt’. We are no longer together but my car runs like a dream!

RAC Man, August 2009

The last time I changed the alternator on my 1999 Renault Clio 1.8 I found the easiest method was to drop the engine out and all my problems were solved. I did however have 11 nuts and 3 bolts left over which I still have today in a jar on the mantlepiece.

BuzzerB - Swindon, August 2009

Do cars still have alternators these days???

Nick B, August 2009

Thanks Bob. So with this spanner I will be able to undo the bolts and take the alternator out without needing to get access through the o/s wheel then? Would save me a lot of time. Cheers. Andy

Andy B, August 2009

what you need is a torque feed angle armed spanner to undo the bolts - will take 10mins tops

bobthebuilder, August 2009

Thanks, I guess it is best just to follow the manual then. Will give it a go tonight and see how I get on. Cheers Andy.

Andy B, August 2009

just remember when they write these manuals they have actually done what they have written so IT IS POSSIBLE!

wirecutterman, August 2009

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