2007 XJ8
While removing my alternator it seems I�ve stripped the upper bolt (13mm). It�s difficult to see while on my back looking up and difficult to reach. The bottom bolt is free.
Any suggestions how I can remove it?
Here are my ideas:
1. Try to force a 12 mm socket on it and hope it breaks free.
2. Try to remove the whole bracket but it looks like one of the bolts is hidden behind the alternator making it inaccessible with the alternator still in place.
3. Hacksaw off the offending ear of the alternator then drill out the bolt.

Thoughts? Surely this has happened to others as this nut appears to be alloy.

Thanks,
John

 

wtbm123
YouTube - Feb 26, 2012

 

Yep, what Wingrider shares.... I have a set of these sockets designed to assist with this problem that is this dudes left hand. But I bought them so long ago, I do not remember where I bought them. Was possibly Harbor Freight????

 

Thanks �I�ll look for Turbo Sockets.

 

Sears, Harbor, Lowes, Home Depot lot of people have them by lots of names

 

Lowe�s for about $20

The offending nut...won�t budge. The bolt socket will not grip it and the smallest size is too small.

 

The only thing that I can come up with is a dremel tool, if you can get it in there. I hate it when stuff like this happens.......

 

I would hammer a 1/2 short socket on there and go at it. Those tools dont work.

 

Thanks to those that responded. Here�s an update on my stripped upper nut on the alternator.
The suggested grip sockets would not work for me, so I proceeded to remove the fans to gain access from the front. The radiator did not have to be removed but it did have to be drained because the hoses were in the way. This gave me access to drill out the stud with my pneumatic drill as it�s got a short handle. I wore out a drill bit doing this and staying straight in the stud proved difficult as the drill constantly got off the stud and into the softer alloy of the bracket so it got wallowed out. I switched to a pneumatic die grinder with a 3 inch wheel to grind through the stud. This was successful after wearing out several blades.
I then had to remove the bracket as the wallowed out hole needed cleaning up to receive a bolt now in place of a stud. I used a 5/16 bolt and nut from Lowe�s.
I took the alternator to a local rebuild shop and it cost $180..this was more expensive than I thought as this price was about what they cost online. Mine needed a new regulator and rectifier.


Stud

Wallowed out bracket

Stud showing rounded nut

Stud fell out after grinding through

I was worried that the head of my new bolt would interfere with the belt but clearance is good.

Jaguar should have done this in the first place. Clearance is fine.

 

I would've placed a steel washer under that bolt head.

But all in all nice job!