R56 Lower Alternator Torx Botl removal

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Oct 4, 2018 | 05:42 PM

400mphpc

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2nd Gear

Joined: Mar 2013

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From: Danville, Indiana

R56 Lower Alternator Torx Botl removal

Looking for some advice. In the middle of replacing the alternator on my 09 MCS. The bottom E10 Torx bolt, is in a position where you can’t get a socket on it because of the hard AC line. I have tried a thin deep socket and short one with a thin extension, but no luck. Any suggestions on how to remove this PITA ? ( just realized I can’t spell “bolt”) .....

Thanks,
Chris

Oct 4, 2018 | 08:15 PM

MiniToBe

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From: Philadelphia PA

You could either take down the ac compressor or bend the line just a hair to pass the socket

Oct 4, 2018 | 09:58 PM

Yupetc

4th Gear

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Look over to the crankshaft pulley side, there is a bracket holding the ac line. Use 10 mm socket to remove the bracket bolt then back on the alternator side you can push that line down a tad bit as you try to remove the Torx bolt. Good luck buddy.

Oct 6, 2018 | 12:43 PM

400mphpc

Thread Starter

2nd Gear

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 58

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From: Danville, Indiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiniToBe

You could either take down the ac compressor or bend the line just a hair to pass the socket

I used your advise and just pushed down on the tube gently until I got enough room for the thin deepwell socket. Worked like a charm. Thanks again, I’m back on the road and all is well.

Oct 8, 2018 | 06:21 AM

MiniToBe

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From: Philadelphia PA

Nothing better than a clean engine bay

Nov 10, 2018 | 07:29 PM

N12

Neutral

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After removing the top 2 bolts and with an E10 socket, I removed the T20 screw and support bracket that held the flexible AC fill hose to give myself more room. The bottom E10 bolt came out easily with an 8mm (or 5/16) offset box wrench from my Harbor Freight (#32042) set. Leave the lower bolt in the alternator until you've pried it free of the engine block.