Typee

I read many threads on how to replace the high pressure hose and they all stated the alternator had to be removed to gain access to the nut leading PS pump. Not wanting to do that and desperate for an alternative I discovered the crow's foot flare heads from Napa. Sears also sells them for much more. They attach to a 3/8 inch socket. Using a swivel socket extension, I attached the crow's foot to it then added another 1 foot extension. I could easily maneuver the crows foot onto the nut from under the car and use the socket wrench to loosen the nut. Then I just reached my hand up and loosened it the rest of the way! Voila, I save hours of work and hassle removing the alternator!

This was for a 1984 928S I've had for about 6 months.

Mrmerlin

Thats great you found a time saver....
now the real question how much oil dripped onto the alternator/ airduct ,
and more important,
are you sure that your new hose isnt rubbing on the fenderwell or the side of the engine/ cam tower?
The hi pressure line placement is critical, rubbing on either part will damage your new line, and create a fire hazard

With the alternator out of the way its very easy to RnR the hi pressure line,
as well as swap out the factory curved hose as both of these hoses should be replaced at the same time.

It takes about 5 mins to remove the alternator bolts and hang it with some mechanics wire,
so the wires dont get pulled.
NOTE leave the airduct in place and dont remove the alternator wires.

Then you can position the new Hi press hose in a good spot so it wont rub on the fender or the engine

In this case less isnt more IMHO ... YMMV

Typee

I had no problem positioning the hose making sure it doesn't rub against the fender well. Additionally, having drained the reservoir and loosened the fitting at the bottom first, 95% of the fluid was drained before I loosened the fitting at the pump. A simple paper towel was used to absorb what came out of the pump. I appreciate your estimate of 5 minutes, but everything I read stated it was a royal pain (and not having done it on this car before) I thought I'd spare it if I could - and share my experience with anyone that was interested.

Kevin in Atlanta

5 minutes to remove. 30 to line up the damn bolt while holding the alternator in the other hand. I say if the shortcut works go for it. My problem on the install of the high pressure hose was threading in the banjo bolt.

Rob Edwards

Like everything on these cars, practice makes perfect- I helped Ron Perry R&R the PS pressure hose on his '90 a couple of years ago, and it took us an hour to get the alternator out, lying on our backs in a dark garage, everything covered with a mix of ATF and dirt.

In daylight, with a clean engine, several years later with plenty of practice, alternator removal is literally 5 minutes, like Stan says.

The biggest 'trick' to remounting the alternator easily is to get a C-clamp and two sockets- one with a diameter just greater than the bushing in the rear alternator mounting flange, and one just smaller. put the smaller socket on the 'front' face of the bushing, and use the C-clamp to press the bushing back into the flange, so the alternator easily slips over the mounting cassette. Makes life much easier.

Pic of the bushing in the rear arm, you can see it hasn't been pushed backwards into the arm yet.





EDIT: Some alternators have the bushing in the front, here's one with the bushing already pushed forward- that 'extra' .25 mm buys you all the room in the world to slide the alternator up past the mounting cassette and into position:

Kevin in Atlanta

Clever.

Tom in Austin

I must have been very lucky, have had my alternator down a couple of times and never even knew there was a bushing that could interfere ,,, just wiggled it up into position and worked the big bolt through. Great exercise for your forearm muscles by the way ;-)

Rob Edwards

You can thank Dr. Bob, he introduced me to the idea of the 'Polish Press'.

StratfordShark

I use the trick to squeeze bushing in, but I don't remember using sockets, just a big enough clamp?

I always drop alternator to undo/make connections at pump. But I need help to replace pivot bolt - that alternator is too heavy for me!