2011 Toyota 4Runner alternator removal secret.

[@toddbyrne4297]

I definitely owe you a beer, after watching 3 videos of people pulling the 2 front bolts and dropping the alternator I was getting pretty pissed about wtf mine was "stuck". As another comment noted, I went the route of removing the bracket to the block bolt. Thanks a lot for posting this.

[@shanepeters8488]

Happy to help

[@kstan7069]

I have an fj cruiser and 2010-2014 has the same bracket and 12mm bolt... was trying to access from in front of the strut... I almost threw in the towel then I found this video. Thanks so much you saved my ass.

[@shanepeters8488]

Happy to help

[@Jeezey]

I wrestled with my 2012 FJ Cruiser alternator for a half hour, before I found this video. Thanks for taking the time to make this video… Huge Help!

[@IllustratedMotion]

I was able to get it from the top. But this video was very helpful. I could not figure out why the alternator wouldn't come out at first. I figured there must be another connection. This pointed me in that direction. Thanks.

[@shanepeters8488]

Very welcome

[@travisjohnson8962]

Would you mind sharing how you accessed from the top? That would be very helpful to know, I can’t figure it out.

[@Gigafactory]

I got it from the top easy... 2nd time doing this... I have a 2013. Never removed tire. I used like 22 inches of 3/8 extentions (like 4 pieces & some are "swivel cut" extensions) and a standard swivel at the end with a 12mm to loosen... To reinstall snug up the main 2 bolts then use a sheet of paper to shim the bolt onto your socket with a mallet... this keeps the bolt on the socket while you shimy it back in place and start it. There is a line of view from the top. U might need a step stool but you definitely need a flashlight to see it. With some practice you should be able to remove and install that bolt in 5 min total of course it takes 3 min just to set up that massive extension 🤣 Neighbors looking at me crazy 🤣

[@Gigafactory]

I think the hardest part is not losing the bolt when it comes out. It helps to use a socket with tight tolerances so you can carry it up.

[@bernardocantu77]

theres not a video of this of how you did it? and what tools/sockets?

[@Gigafactory]

@@bernardocantu77 bro read my original comment. all the directions are there. its a 12mm. use a stool if you have to. stand on the driver side of hood and look behind the ALT with a flashlight so you can see the dark areas closer to the block. there are 2 bolts and its a standard L bracket. leave the one connected to the alternator alone. only remover the one that is on the block. it comes out towards you if your on the driver side facing the engine.

[@bernardocantu77]

@@Gigafactory appreciate it man. thanks for responding!

[@davegorman3646]

Thanks for posting this. I just finished swapping out the alternator on my 2010 and never would have thought to take that route to get to the bolt on the back.

[@shanepeters8488]

You are very welcome glad I was able to help

[@jimmypeebles5747]

I’m planning to replace the alternator on my 2012. How long did it take you to swap it out? It looks so tight to get it out and the new one back in even when I look at moving things out of the way.

[@davegorman3646]

@@jimmypeebles5747 It probably took me around 2 hrs and a lot of that was just learning curve. I didn't realize that there was a nut holding the wiring harness in place so that cost me almost 30 minutes. Aside from that it's pretty straight forward as long as you can get a good angle at the back bolt using the extension and knuckle.

[@jimmypeebles5747]

@@davegorman3646 Nice…thanks for the info. I bought a 20 inch extension after seeing this and another post on that back bolt. It’s original and has 196k miles on it so I feel like I’m on borrowed time.

[@davegorman3646]

Oh wow. Mine was at 150k and the alternator was already .asking a really loud whirring sound. Awesome yours lasted so long

[@Diesel4242]

Thanks for the tips. Just replaced mine. I left the bracket on the alternator and took the bolt out of the engine. I took the wheel off just like you said and it worked great.

[@shanepeters8488]

You are very welcome .. sorry about it not being a professional video lol I just wanted to help others where I struggled

[@brennanjohnstone949]

I also left the bracket on the alternator but without this video I would’ve been pissed trying to figure this out. Great video.

[@Diesel4242]

Yes! I definitely would’ve torn some shit up without this video!🤣

[@zacharyvaughan4512]

This video saved my ass big time, I never would have dreamed of a third bolt. This is identical to a 2010 FJ Cruiser. Earlier FJ cruisers do not have the backside bolt according to all of the videos I found on KZbin.

[@happycamper5193]

I just replaced my 2011 Toyota four runner alternator. This video was very helpful. I removed the wheel and had a splash/mud guard I had to pop two plastic riviots off to get the angle for the extension and swivel with 12mm . I have to be honest. It's not recommended, but I didn't get that bolt back in. I lost that bolt down in the bottom skid plate and decided I am gonna change my oil next weekend. If I find it I'll will attempt to put it back. I just replaced the alternator on my 2006 four runner and it only had two bolts that should be fine.

[@Oladavol]

Thanks man. This is a true PITA... considering the 4th gen only has the 2 front bolts. Im glad I bought a OEM alternator. I dont ever want to do this again

[@stuckthrottle]

Thanks for the tip. Tackling this just now and was stuck at this step. Going back for round 2.

[@lpd1122]

Just what I needed to see. Thanks for posting this, it helped me out a lot!

[@shanepeters8488]

No problem happy it helped

[@haplo819]

Just did this job today. Thanks for the video.

[@shanepeters8488]

Very welcome home it was helpful

[@D.K.-DonkeyKong]

@@shanepeters8488 what is the size of the swivel?

[@shanepeters8488]

@@D.K.-DonkeyKong just a standard 3/8 swivel you get at autozone or homedepot

[@shanepeters8488]

@@D.K.-DonkeyKong www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-3-Piece-1-4-in-3-8-in-1-2-in-U-Joint-Socket-Adapter/1000596043

[@D.K.-DonkeyKong]

@@shanepeters8488 Thanks man

[@salemalshammari742]

You saved my life. Thank you so much, I been trying to remove it for more then 2 hours didnt work until I watched your video🎉❤😂

[@oregonautica]

Thank you. Couldn't have done this job without your video.

[@shanepeters8488]

Very welcome

[@jamesmartin2646]

Thanks for the tips! That bracket can be accessed from the left side also if pull back that fender liner. I used that side to reinstall the bolt. The left side of the shock also makes it easier to get those two wire harness bolts on the alternator.

[@mode1charlie170]

Thanks for this video. Its the only one I can find with a Gen. 5 engine. I need to replace the oil line that goes from the cylinder head and disappears somewhere behind the alternator. I can almost see where it attaches in some of your video footage and confirms I need to remove my alternator. Thank you!

[@shanepeters8488]

Glad I was able to help sorry I did not get the best of footage

[@CabritoMoto]

Thanks for posting this video. Did not have to remove the wheel but it would have been easier if I had. I was able to just turn it to full lock and get access. I wonder if that rear lower bracket is even needed. Might have been something to help with the factory build.

[@shanepeters8488]

Nice to know you can get it without removing the wheel.. personally I don't think it's needed but I reinstalled anyways

[@davidfagan9659]

Thank you so much I faught with that thing watched you Video 5 minutes later it was off

[@shanepeters8488]

Very welcome

[@labnine3362]

What a PITA!!! Thanks for posting this.

[@mikemcguire5252]

Wow! can't believe I stumbled across this video. I would have been one frustrated bubba. It is still hard to remove and reinstalled but I Got er Done!

[@user-gj9nl9xw9u]

Extremely helpful. Thank you for making this video.

[@danmidkiff5416]

Thank you for sharing this tip!

[@stephenmras8519]

How do you remove the wire harness? I pulled the two 10mm bolts, but have no idea how to remove the cover to the terminal wire or the plug to the alternator. Also there is a harness cable going down the back of the alternator which is anchored to a bracket. seems like you'd need to romove it from the bracket too.

[@phil7144]

Thanks . You're a life saver.

[@babyjuju4411145]

Great video my friend

[@and8370]

Thank you now no fighting before I start

[@andrewelwood3358]

Dave Portnoy doing alternators…I’ve seen it all. Cheers mate

[@shanepeters8488]

Shhhhh

[@stevenmadriljr7989]

What is the total length of your extensions?

[@methodman8338]

Is that bracket necessary? Can it be left out when putting the new alternator on?

[@albertorodriguez8677]

Yeah

[@luisrobles986]

Do it is necessary to put the bracket back on?

[@kevinhellar6854]

Thank you... How are the slotted rotors? Last longer?

[@shanepeters8488]

They seem to

[@edolesya]

Thank you for the tips, and how many miles dose your 4runner have for the alternator to go out? Mine is 225,000 miles.

[@shanepeters8488]

Around 190k

[@cats400]

My only tip is you really should have splurged for the genuine Toyota alternator. With such a difficult component to replace, replacing it with a genuine Toyota part should have been on the to-do list.

[@shanepeters8488]

I agree however I was just helping a friend out I used what they gave me

[@adilakhtarghani6848]

Superb.

[@thinshavings]

Auto Zone parts.....your first mistake.

[@tommyrountreee8887]

You don’t have to take the tire off you just need a extension and a ratchet

[@shanepeters8488]

Thanks for the heads up. I hope I don't have to do it again though lol

[@QwikKota]

The factory manual shows the bracket but does not talk about removing it, dumb. It just mentions the 2 front bolts. Haven't done it yet but our super reliable 2010 has finally had a problem. Still happy with it after 102k trouble free miles just not looking forward to this job.

[@shanepeters8488]

Hope it helps! good luck