Repair 7

Alternator Specialty Tools

A vehicles alternator is also known as a generator. It works in partnership with your cars voltage regulator and battery to generate electricity. It keeps the electrical current necessary to run your lights, starter and other devices. Testing, replacing or repairing an alternator requires specialty tools beyond your basic socket wrench, vise grip or screwdriver.

Tester

This is a custom device that tests for defective alternators and performs a comprehensive check of the battery. The battery is attached by cables to the alternator and works hand-in-hand with it to run the electrical system of your vehicle. The tester checks the current state of the charge on maintenance-free batteries and conventional models. It also searches for the alternators output voltage and any excess starter current.

Pulley Puller and Installer

This tool removed and installs an alternators entire pulley system. This system has the alternator drive belt attached to it. The drive belt turns the alternators drive wheel that generates electricity to be stored by the battery.

Ratchet or Tensioner Breaker Bar

Your cars alternator is run by the cars drive belt. The belt needs to be removed to remove the alternator. The belt is wrapped around a pulley called a tensioner, which keeps the belt tight while it turns the alternator drive wheel. To remove the belt, you must relieve the belts tension with a rachet or " tensioner breaker bar."

Insulator Wrench

This type of insulated wrench prevents accidental shock from the battery when you remove the battery wire from the alternator. The nut holding the battery wire needs an insulated wrench to keep the battery terminal stud where the wire is attached from turning.