Hi All,

I’m working on replacing the alternator for my son. I’ve watched all the YouTube videos I can find but none of them appear to have the same engine as his does. I know it is a 2007 G35x sedan 3.5L (bought in canada). I don’t know how to determine the exact engine.

The videos online show engines with the oil filter pointing off to the side, this car it points to the front. I’ve got the rad fan out and the alternator mounting bolts removed. I am not trying to remove the wiring harnesses. I think for the positive line I will remove it from the battery and snake the wire through when I pull the alternator out (rather than try to disconnect that wire from the alternator). My challenge now is that I’m unable to get that other wiring harness off. Anyone have any tricks for that?

Thanks very much for any help

PS, I just realized that it is a G35x rather than a G35.
And, I decided I would try to drop the alternator THEN try to remove that wire it harness. As I have attempted that, I think I need to now remove the oil filter housing as well since the alternator doesn’t have enough room to get around it. Could that be true!!!!

 

All 2007 sedans came equipped with the VQ35HR engine, it's easily identified from the VQ35DE engine because the HR has TWO throttle bodies and two intake tubes.

 

Thanks for the info @cleric670
The engine has 2 throttle bodies, so a VQ35HR. Nice to know, thanks!

 

So thanks to cleric670, I now know that the engine is the VQ35HR.
I’ve also realized that it is an AWD (rather than a 2WD)
With this information I now have the correct service manual. Reviewing the service manual it says I should be able to remove the three mounting bolts, pull the alternator and turn it then remove the wires.

I’ve tried again but don’t see anyway to get the alternator around the oil filter and oil filter mount. I did see one video but it was just a short clip where the guy was saying its impossible to get it around the oil filter and you should just take it to the shop! Anyone have a suggestion? (I’d really prefer not to have to remove the oil filter filter/oil filter mount)

 

Check out this video, seems he was able to replace it without too much hassle. I have never replaced the alternator on an HR so I can't comment on his procedure.

Be aware that the wire going to the alternator is the positive hot wire for the battery, you MUST disconnect the battery first.

 

Thanks @cleric670 for looking into this more. Very much appreciated!
That is one of the videos I have watched (think I’ve watched them all!)
The engine I’m working on has the oil filter point to the front of the car. The one in the video is pointing to the passenger side.
I worked on it again last night after a rest and was finally able to lower it away from the mounting. I thought at that point I was home free, but alas I was no. I then could not drop it out of the engine compartment. I turned every which way. I finally became a Jenga Grand Master after about an hour and finally dropped it out! Happy days!

Took it to a rebuild shop. They just got back to me an told me it was damaged beyond repair (the car has been sitting for about 6 months). So, now I’m on the hunt for one. Most places want about $350. I think I can find a rebuilt for around $200.

Not looking forward to trying to get it back in!
(Oh by the way, I like your avatar @cleric670 )

 

Ok so the control arm needs to come off. It's easier than it looks. Trust me I'm not a mechanic and it's only 4 nuts that come off and the arm swings down out of the way. When taking the alternator out be very careful not to poke a hole in your radiator. The fan isn't protecting it and it doesn't take much to destroy a $700 radiator. Yes I did it. You can remove the Alt and then the harness but make sure you have disconnected the neg side of battery first.

 

Also.... Be careful not to break the sensors right next to the alternator. I did that too. I told you I'm not a mechanic. I think it was called the oil pressure sensor. Should have been a really easy fix however I over tightened it when I put the new one in and cracked my upper oil pan. The upper oil pan was way out of my league so that cost me $1,200 to replace and have somebody put it in. My whole point is just be very careful take your time because for me what turned out to be a pretty simple alternator replacement all in all total around $2,700 new radiator new alternator and new upper oil pan