2010-2024 Toyota 4runner 5th Gen - Replace Alternator - Girlie Garage

[@willardswelding7243]

This is the only really well made tutorial I’ve found on this task thank you

[@GirlieGarage]

So glad you found this video helpful!!

[@Abes523]

Just used your tutorial to change my 2015 and wanted to thank you! Putting the last 12mm bolt (using the deep socket) into the bracket probably took the longest of the whole process. I ended up wrapping tape around my wobbly socket to tighten it, and taped the bolt onto the socket to keep it from falling out, and also had to reach around with my other hand with a long screwdriver to lift the bracket so the hole lined up. It definitely earned its "Dreaded" namesake, thanks again!

[@GirlieGarage]

Proud of you for working around the problem and making it work so you could put the whole thing back together!

[@WhiskeyCharged]

Really nice job. Great video quality too. Thank you.

[@jframosmartinez]

Excellent tutorial. It’s not a piece of cake, but it’s done. Thank you

[@GirlieGarage]

Definitely NOT cake 😂. Especially compared to other generations of 4runner. Thank you for sharing the good news and I’m glad you found this video helpful

[@chadchampion4952]

Your how-to video was amazing!!!! Made the job quick and easy, less than an hour only because I knew where every bolt was and size!!! *** Only one helpful hint. You do not need to remove both bolts from the bracket just the bolt that attaches to the block and leave the one that attaches to the altanator just remember to convert it to the new one. BUT AGAIN GREAT HOW TO PLEASE KEEP THE COMING

[@GirlieGarage]

Amazing! I think you might receive an award for record time! Sounds like many people had enough room to leave that bracket on. I found it super difficult to get the alternator out with it on, but if it works then run it! Thanks for the tips!

[@SvendIt]

@@GirlieGarage I bet you could leave it on at first, rotate the alternator to get a better access to the bracket, then remove it from the top of the engine bay if needed to fish the alternator out of the narrow passage.

[@nero3k]

Great tutorial. Helped immensely with swapping out my 2011 alternator. The hidden bracket is a pain because of my huge hands. I love Toyota’s over engineering until I have to work on it.

[@GirlieGarage]

I’m sorry to hear that but I’m glad you were able to get the job done. Were you able to get in there with extensions?

[@JChurchua]

For reinstalling you can use a paper towel BETWEEN the socket, and the head of the 12mm bolt. It'll lightly lock it into the socket head. Then the socket extension could be used as a hand held tool to start the threads. Greeaatt tutorial. Thanks!!!!

[@GirlieGarage]

That’s a super helpful tip. Thank you for sharing :-)

[@JChurchua]

@GirlieGarage you also don't have to remove the rear bracket from the alternator. Only from the engine block. I didn't touch the hidden bolt until the alternator was out of the engine bay then I swapped it over and pushed it all back in. Also, my new reman. Yota Alt had the small bracket for the wire loom already installed. Just finished my install and used this video for all my information to do it.!!

[@andreydildin]

It's even harder to do one of these on an 09-14 FJ. Even less clearance between the alternator and wheel well. And to top it off, I spent nearly an hour trying to yank it out of there before I noticed the bracket of doom!

[@GirlieGarage]

At least it’s over and you can laugh at the “bracket of doom”

[@Dkzdream]

I’m a Toyota technician and right now don’t have access to TIS you just saved my ass! Thank you for such well made video

[@GirlieGarage]

Oh man! That’s painful! Hopefully you get access to your fav software again soon! Thanks for letting me know this video helped 🤓

[@davidzavona4313]

Thanks so much! I don't think I could have done this as easily without your video, it was awesome!

[@ChadThornley]

This video was beyond helpful, thank you so much! I did go into it thinking it would be easier, and I did have a bad day lol.

[@GirlieGarage]

Sounds like you made it out okay despite this job being tough! Congrats on saving yourself some $$

[@yawymatuo]

I just completed this (whew!) I left the dreaded bracket attached to the alternator when I removed the old one, and I mounted it on the new one before installation. It's doable and much easier than trying to mount it when the alternator is already installed.

[@GirlieGarage]

Congrats! Definitely not as easy as it used to be (on previous generations). Thanks for the tips!

[@stephendrews7284]

Your video was a huge help! Your's is the best video on replacing the alterantor on a 5th gen 4Runner. You a100% right on the difficulty on the job. I also replaced my belt, that was also difficult to get it all lined up. Thanks for the video, you Go Girl!. Thank you so much for this video.

[@GirlieGarage]

So glad you found this video helpful!! Great job on replacing the belt as well, there are SO many pulleys!

[@joewinburn1224]

The video was a huge help! Left the dreaded bracket off on the replacement alternator. The 5 fasteners holding it in place are sufficient I figured.

[@DWrex-km5je]

How is it holding up? I'm considering not putting the bracket back on mine

[@yawymatuo]

I mounted the bracket onto the alternator before I reinstalled it, made it so much easier to only have to put in the bolt that's reachable.

[@GirlieGarage]

Some engineer somewhere wanted that bracket attached so if you have a couple extra minutes to put it back on (now that the bulk of the job is finished) I would recommend putting it back. There’s been some really helpful comments here on different ways people chose to get those bolts started

[@billl.3917]

Great camera work! Great tutorial.

[@MIKE19681000]

And the job has only so many minutes allowed to complete. I do have to tell you that your doing a great job. I wish I had small hands I'm jealous

[@GirlieGarage]

100% this job is not made for anyone with big paws! Thank you for the compliment and it is definitely possible with large hands, just using lots of extensions

[@eddieandcara]

Thanks!

[@GirlieGarage]

Thank you so much! Your donation definitely helps with the cost/time/etc of creating videos and I’m super grateful!!

[@eddieandcara]

@GirlieGarage you're welcome young lady. Best video on replacing that pain in the ass alternator I've ever seen. Thank you for putting the time in. It was very meticulously done

[@ricardohurtado9823]

That is one clean alternator

[@pixj7338]

Thanks to this video, I decided not to try doing this myself :) the cost to buy the needed tools and difficulty makes it an easy decision

[@GirlieGarage]

Proud of you for doing the research so you understand what goes into the repair. Do your homework to find a good local mechanic :-)

[@MSB_Videos]

Fantastic video! Can’t believe this vehicle needed a new alternator! The vehicle looks new. Did you replace with an OEM Toyota alternator? Thanks!

[@GirlieGarage]

This vehicle is new and did not NEED a new alternator but the customer wanted a higher output alternator for a speaker system + batteries he installed

[@lucasr5675]

Super well done. Just curious, what happened to this alternator? The 4R looked like new. I am having issues with a 2020 model and I think is the alternator.

[@GirlieGarage]

There actually wasn’t anything wrong with this alternator, the customer wanted a larger output alternator since he was putting in a sound system. That should still be covered under warranty with your vehicle so I would check that first

[@stevendin3093]

Awesome video

[@christophertanger2379]

Love the video ! Keep Up the good work.

[@checkyourself-ish]

3:00 The dreded bracket

[@GirlieGarage]

There’s been a lot of ways people have accomplished putting it back on in the comments if that helps!

[@eddieandcara]

What is the name of that flat bar you used for the idler pully and the digital torque wrench.

[@GirlieGarage]

The flat bar is a serpentine belt tool, you could likely rent one at your local auto parts store. You don’t need a specific brand torque wrench. My digital one is a husky, my click-type is a Pittsburgh

[@Nwwoods]

Great video! Thank you. One question, do you think you could just unbolt the bracket from the engine and still get the alternator out? Keep the 4R videos coming👍👍

[@GirlieGarage]

Hard no. If you leave the bracket connected to the alternator it won’t fit out of the opening because of the angle the alternator has to go in and out of

[@hrcia6123]

I have a question for you on the OEM alternator bearing it’s normal it gets locked by try to move on the right side?

[@GirlieGarage]

Most Toyota engines rotate clockwise (to the right) so I’m not sure if I understand your question

[@billyhellmaker]

Great!

[@FORTE-VIDEOS]

My alternator went out today and I had to take it to the mechanic and I charge me $1100 with labor for putting in alternator and he said the alternator was $1000. I’m wondering why it would cost that much.

[@GirlieGarage]

Sounds kinda scammy. You should call your local Toyota dealership and find out the retail cost of the part. If it’s less, you can get some $$ back (usually)