1997 ford contour alternator replacement?

[harleynoreen]

my 97 ford contour 4 cyl. died shortly after my spedomoter went crazy, and everything started to dim. i tested my battery and thats fine, so i figure its the alternator. i took a look at removing it and as far as i could guess id have to take off the mount that holds the engine in place in order to get to the part that holds the tension on the serpentine belt, which would mean id have to support the engine up somehow. this is only my not so educated guess, and im guessing a mechanic would be horribly overpriced.

 

[Jason]

yes you do have to remove the engine mount. get a regular hydraulic jack and play a piece of wood between it and the oil pan and raise the engine that way. its really not hard to do. just take your time. good luck