I did a search on this and didn't quite come up with the information I was looking for.
I'd like to know on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most difficult), how hard is it to replace the alternator? I believe my alternator is going bad and may need to replace it.
From what I could tell, it looks as if the radiator fans may need to be removed to access the alternator. I haven't checked from beneath the car yet.
I'm not sure if I should tackle the job myself or take it to the dealership
I know there are some of you out there who already replaced theirs and would like your input. A DIY sticky on this would be great too. Thanks!

 

i would say it's a 3 from 1-10. If you can get under the car, you would understand more.

 

it will take you awhile, i'll say its a 5/10 if you're doing it for the first time. I had to take my radiator fan out in order to get the alternator out which also includes taking out the top coolant hose, but i also have the stillen radiator so i think it sticks out a little further than the stock one so you might be able to do it without taking out the radiator fans... You'll know when you get under there. But the hardest part i thought was trying to unscrew the small nuts that are hard to get at for some of the grounds for the alternator..

 

I thought these Japanese alternators last a very long time. My coworker has a 97 Acura TL which has 200k+miles with the original alternator.

 

Thanks for the responses. I called the dealership and they said it would cost $95.00 (labor) to have a new alternator put in. With how busy I am this time of year, that price isn't bad at all.
I'd still rather do it myself (don't really quite trust them), but I just don't have the time. I suppose it's not really a big hurry since this isn't my DD.

I would have expected the alternator to last much longer than it did. I'm barely at 25K miles and have a 03. Oddly enough this problem started shortly after I put in an audio system. I'm only pushing 1000 watts and hardly ever have it cranked up.

Anymore input and advice are always welcomed...

 

Its your turbos that put alot strain on the alternator.

 

I doubt my turbos is the reason my alternator is bad. I believe that it has something to do with a faulty alternator and with the recently added audio system. The increased load from my amps could have just sent my alternator over the edge.
The heat from the turbos aren't helping any, but I don't think it's the direct cause of my problem.

 

yes turbos do put more strain on your alt, for instance, i have a bad rack leak, leaking power sterring fluid, before i saw the leak i ran out of fluid, causing the power steering pump to mess up the alternator due to resistance on the belt

 

i was also running 2800 watts rms on a 110 amp alternator in my spec v for 2 years with no extra battery or cap, check your power steering fluid and all the other ones

 

Nice example, but what does that have to do with turbos affecting your alternator?

 

spinning the the crack alot faster and @ higher rpms (with reflash) not really the turbo itself but the power+ heat from the turbo could have a big part in the solonoid in the alternator going bad

 

The power has nothing whatsoever to do it. The heat may affect it. The RPM's affect it as well, but that is independent of the turbos; you can drive at high rpms whether you have turbos or not.

 

Dude alternatos don't have solenoids OP, the turbos are not stressing out your alternator. It's likely a defect, I've got over 44k on my DD '05 with the orig alternator.

 

I guessing you meant "diode" instead of solenoid. Turbos themselves do not stress the alternator other than the extra heat they generate and "possibly" the extra draw from the gauges, ecu, etc. And then again, those draw very little power.

Update:
Had Nissan run an electrical diagnostic and they said my alternator is fine. They said it's probably a electrical component that's draining the battery at a very slow rate.
It's now time for a "process of elimination".

 

Oh man electrical drains are HUGE PITA Good luck!

 

Dont have to be a rocket scientist to know the answer.