1997 Toyota 4runner Alternator replacement

Thank you all who viewed my first video! I didn't expect to have all the views the way it did. Thank you for subscribing, also. This truck has over 370k in mileage and counting. Hopefully, I can keep this car running till 500k. Fingers and toes crossed :)

Regarding this new video, I never thought i would be able to change my own alternator. I've always gone to the shop to get things like this repaired or replaced. The battery light came on one day but would disappear when i accelerate above 20mph. It would light up again when i slowed down or stopped at a light. I checked the battery with a meter and it registered at 11v and even as low as 8v. I thought i needed a new battery since I've had it for a while already, so i purchased a new one, like an idiot lol. Needless to say, the light came back on after a few miles driving. After alot of research, Alternator replacement keeps coming up. So, now here's my try on it. This took me 2 days to do since i have to deal with camera battery charging and placement of the camera and purchasing the right socket for the adjustment and stuck bolts. After all of this, I think you can do this job for 1 to 3 hours. Like the first video, I've done a few mistakes on this one too. I wished i could have marked the placement of the alternator before loosening the Tensioner, as you'll see in the video. I had to rely on my own judgement of whether the belt was tight enough (that's scary). Also, I was all over the place with removing the connections and bots and nuts. You might notice some inconsistencies with the video. I had to put the sequence in the right order so it'll be easier when removing parts the way i think makes more sense now that I've done it. Overall, i hope this helps!

Again, thank you for watching!

Only if you want to get the same part i got, here is the exact alternator I purchased:

Also, if your bolt is stuck, here is a link for the spray i used. I tried 2 different other sprays but this one was the one that worked. I bought mine from home depot for only $3. This link should just help you with the description of the spray. If you buy this from other stores i think it's cheaper. Use this link below for description only.

Good Luck everyone and Thank you again for all your support.

Disclaimer: Please use proper safety precautions always and proper tools. Your problem might be different from mine so please also do your own research.

Disclosure: I may earn a small commission for my link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase will help support my continuous effort to bring my experience and hopefully empower other common person like me to do for themselves too.

[bran-qtds]

Very good job showing each step, wish everyone filmed their repair videos this thoroughly.

[xxvodanhxx]

This is more thorough than the other videos so far, has good angles to show exactly what's going on.

[wholetruth]

Sweet God!!😇 This was the best video I have seen. I would nominate you for Academy Award.
Had music, camera work, and description. Loved it, and also needing to do on my 97 4Runner. Thank you so much for a beautiful work of art!!

[richardshoults]

Thank you. Perfect step by step instructions. The note about widening the area for the top of the alternator to fit in the bracket was genius.

[BradfordBunch]

One comment regarding your note at 14:04 about the alternator not fitting per the bushing sticking out. You're correct that it can be moved (rather than filed down) -- it can be done by using a bolt/nut and a socket to move it out of the way...kind of hard to describe, but you can search on YouTube to see others posts on this.

[tedwooddelarosa]

Apprecitated how it was focused, zoomed, and especially the whole struggles from bolt removals, pulling off sockets, the wiggling and all

[rubenr.]

Thanks took me 45min.. great video "and I used the 17mm with 3in bolt to push the bracket ring back in"

[jarrell]

Excellent video.. everyone needing to watch a how-to needs to see this. Best video on YouTube for this job probably

[davidmorris]

Great video...my need to reference soon. 'O2 w/346K, I was mesmerized with the music!!

[Hebsparks]

This is so helpful. Thank you!!
All the camera angles really made it.

[TackleFarm]

Excellent instructions. I used your instructions to change the alternator on my 98 Toyota 4Runner. Thanks!

[rayc]

Great video. I'm gunna try it tomorrow in the cold.

[elmersorto]

Thank you, you are the best. The instructions are very clear step-by-step.

[izzycamaro]

This is a nice clear video. I can see everything really good and in detail. thank you very much

[rayc]

Great video work. Talk about realistic. That connector in the back is a nightmare.

[nitromyke]

10:45 Thanks! I just came for that damn connector!!

[gharr]

Great job, great camera work, thank you!!

[martyrtimeyall]

This helped me a lot. My 97 T100 has the same motor thank god!

[victorortiz]

Thank you for posting this video, it was very helpful to me, please continue making more👊

[aimalkhan]

Awesome tutorial…will come handy in future