Of all the videos I watched, yours was the most easy to follow. Thank you for giving the little hints about the bushing in the back. did not have a clue that its an important step to do. Thank you again
I cut a piece of timber at 155mm,wedged it inberween the socket wrench lever and the casing above, made it so much easier to get the belt on,2 free hands
Heyyyy Burner. Just used your link to replace alternator. That top about the bearing was right on!!! Time to go for some driving. Haven't driven in a week waiting on alternator. Much props to you sir!!!
Thanks! I'm editing it together, now, actually. I learned to disassemble and repair an electrical connector in the process, so it was an interesting experience.
Great video - a rat ate through my entire engine wire loom (along with a few coolant hoses and such)... I've been struggling to get it back in shape, you helped a lot!
Great video as always...Just wanted to let you know that I just bought myself a 2002 boxster S 2 weeks ago and the first day I got it my battery light came on. Long story short, I brought to Oreilly's and the voltage regulator was bad. New part from pelican parts is only $40. Sits on the back of the alternator, Would change that out while you have the alternator out. Brushes wear out. Thanks again for the videos!
Funny you should say so... same thing happened to me, I just haven't edited together a video on it, yet. I guess it's pretty common. It's definitely nice the voltage regulator is cheap and bolts on the back. Anyway, you're 100% right, it's worth doing while you have the alternator out. I think I'll put together another video in the near future. Congrats on the new 986! Do you love it?
Awesome video! I just followed your instructions to remove the alternator in order to change the air pump check valve. When I removed the engine cover behind the seats to do all that I noticed the carpet under/behind the driver seat was soaked.... it looks like a common issue on the 986 to have the water drain clogged... I live in FL and storm season is coming. it's rainning almost every day and I was wondering if you can make a video showing how to fix that. I saw some videos where people relocate the computer from under the seat to the firewall, but that doesn't solve the issue of water inside of the car. Thanks again for all the info on your videos!
Again great video. Very detailed so it makes it a lot easier for us out there. Keep posting !! Cheers ! PS I have changed my water pump and thermostat this week end couldn't have done it without your precious advices. The again !!!!
Great video! How exactly will I know when and if the bushing releases? Is it part of the alternator bracket? I have been tapping on the bolt for quite a bit and my alternator with not release. Thank you!
You can see the bushing at 4:27. It's pressed into the alternator, and the bolt threads into the bushing (which is why tapping on the bolt will drive the bushing back). Editing makes everything look easy, but I had an awful time getting it to release. I really had to pound the crap out of that bolt (and it took awhile)! When it releases, it's easy to move the whole alternator and the side with the bolt will easily move up off the bracket. So, yeah, just keep pounding, use penetrating oil if you have it, and the biggest hammer you own!
Thank you for the help. I ended up using wd and liquid wrench and beating the heck out of it for a loooooonnnnngggg time. Finally came out. Once I got it out I got the bushing pushed out even further so I could get it back in. Appreciate your time and videos!
So I developed a whine now that I have it all back together and just realized I was supposed to note the belts direction of travel and put it on the same way. oops. :) Hoping either turning the belt around and or getting a new one gets rid of the whine. Thank you again!!!
Ah, yes. I'm guessing the belt is kind of old anyway? If it's been on awhile, it's a good idea to replace it. They're cheap, and that will probably solve the problem (and prevent future failure).
Yes, your video's are great. Sorry for the length of this request. I was wondering, do you have a contact e-mail I can contact you at and send a quick video of a frustrating whining noise I can't seem to pin point? I recently thought, for sure... a whining noise my 2005 Porsche Boxster, 2.7 litre engine was a simple a belt replacement. I performed that and took the car for a drive. It sounded.. very quiet and smooth. Lovely. Job well done. So I thought. After the engine came up to operating temperature, and the ambient air here in Toronto has been normal, 20 - 25 C... (poor Arizona @ 48C)... shortly after the temp stabilized - the whining noise came back. WTF! The belt is an original Porsche part, belt size 6PK-2115... all running smoothly there and, I've check all the small pulley's, pulley tensioner and its bearing.... they seem fine. The whining, after the engine reaches temperature, begins. Slowly at first then its a cat tossed into the dryer. Frustrating and embarrassing (yikes - can't afford to fix your car buddy?) Rev the engine and the noise disappears, momentarily. When I turn the engine off, there is this split second momentary remaining whine as though its inertia carrying over from a motor stopping ??? Is it the alternator? Is it the A/C? Power Steering? Water Pump, Crank pulley? Radiator Fan Motor? By process of elimination I believe I can say its not the A/C Compressor. I believe its not the Water Pump, Power Steering, or Crank Pulley / Bearing - IMS Bearing (yet... thank God) Have you come across an Alternator that whines? A Radiator Fan Motor whining? Any thoughts, tips, tricks would be much appreciated. Sorry for the length of the ask. Dave Eh!, Toronto, Canada
Hi Dave, I just finished moving, and some of these comments got a bit lost... Hopefully you've already fixed the problem. If you haven't, have you tried taking the belt off and spinning each of the pulleys (alternator, water pump, etc. by hand)? Feel free to email me a video if you're still fighting with the issue (burnerphotography@gmail.com).
Make sure you don't lose the spacer that sits behind the pulley. Without it your pulley won't clear the alternator and You won't be able to install the bolt properly and the pulley will touch and make contact with the alternator and be cockeyed. Basically unable to finish your job. And now to hunt where the hell it dropped and fell when I pull the bolt out . 🤬
Thanks again Ben! Your vids help the rest of us who aren't as far into Boxster ownership.
Awesome! I hope to have a pretty complete library of guides over time.
Brilliant video. really helpful especially as the cables of my Knock Sensor one got pulled out and Ben's other video showed me how to repair them.
Of all the videos I watched, yours was the most easy to follow. Thank you for giving the little hints about the bushing in the back. did not have a clue that its an important step to do. Thank you again
I cut a piece of timber at 155mm,wedged it inberween the socket wrench lever and the casing above, made it so much easier to get the belt on,2 free hands
Thank you very much for the advice.. just spoke to my son and now see why he struggled .!
Heyyyy Burner. Just used your link to replace alternator. That top about the bearing was right on!!! Time to go for some driving. Haven't driven in a week waiting on alternator. Much props to you sir!!!
Can't wait to see your video on how you fix the wiring.
Thanks! I'm editing it together, now, actually. I learned to disassemble and repair an electrical connector in the process, so it was an interesting experience.
Great video - a rat ate through my entire engine wire loom (along with a few coolant hoses and such)... I've been struggling to get it back in shape, you helped a lot!
Great video as always...Just wanted to let you know that I just bought myself a 2002 boxster S 2 weeks ago and the first day I got it my battery light came on. Long story short, I brought to Oreilly's and the voltage regulator was bad. New part from pelican parts is only $40. Sits on the back of the alternator, Would change that out while you have the alternator out. Brushes wear out. Thanks again for the videos!
Funny you should say so... same thing happened to me, I just haven't edited together a video on it, yet. I guess it's pretty common. It's definitely nice the voltage regulator is cheap and bolts on the back. Anyway, you're 100% right, it's worth doing while you have the alternator out. I think I'll put together another video in the near future.
Congrats on the new 986! Do you love it?
Cristina Cocos I bought a regulator after reading your post thanks!
Thanks man - I just removed my alternator today using this and it was super shit but it worked! What a bushing!
Thanks for the video, Ben! Very helpful! Remember to wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands from getting hurt!!
Good call. Thanks, Allen!
Awesome video! I just followed your instructions to remove the alternator in order to change the air pump check valve. When I removed the engine cover behind the seats to do all that I noticed the carpet under/behind the driver seat was soaked.... it looks like a common issue on the 986 to have the water drain clogged... I live in FL and storm season is coming. it's rainning almost every day and I was wondering if you can make a video showing how to fix that. I saw some videos where people relocate the computer from under the seat to the firewall, but that doesn't solve the issue of water inside of the car. Thanks again for all the info on your videos!
Again great video. Very detailed so it makes it a lot easier for us out there. Keep posting !! Cheers ! PS I have changed my water pump and thermostat this week end couldn't have done it without your precious advices. The again !!!!
Awesome! Great work! I'm glad I could help!
An air hammer knocks some sense into that long alternator bolt.
Forgot to post a video how to reinstall alternator. Cmon man! 😀 what a pain in the butt to reinstall!!!
Does anyone know what part the alternator bolts to at 0.54 in the video. Mine snapped and am trying to find a replacement part!
I have to replace that sensor, why did you say a " knock sensor " because am i replace the wrong sensors. Cam sensor, bank 1?
Hi Ben, disconnect the battery first? When replacing the bolt thru the pulley did you loctite it and torque it up? thanks
Have a PACEMAKER and Boston Scientific advised 2 feet from the alternator. So,... how far is it from the driver? Thank in advance.
Great video! How exactly will I know when and if the bushing releases? Is it part of the alternator bracket? I have been tapping on the bolt for quite a bit and my alternator with not release. Thank you!
You can see the bushing at 4:27. It's pressed into the alternator, and the bolt threads into the bushing (which is why tapping on the bolt will drive the bushing back). Editing makes everything look easy, but I had an awful time getting it to release. I really had to pound the crap out of that bolt (and it took awhile)! When it releases, it's easy to move the whole alternator and the side with the bolt will easily move up off the bracket. So, yeah, just keep pounding, use penetrating oil if you have it, and the biggest hammer you own!
Thank you for the help. I ended up using wd and liquid wrench and beating the heck out of it for a loooooonnnnngggg time. Finally came out. Once I got it out I got the bushing pushed out even further so I could get it back in. Appreciate your time and videos!
Well done! ...and yes, I did basically the same thing. That bushing gets really stuck in there!
So I developed a whine now that I have it all back together and just realized I was supposed to note the belts direction of travel and put it on the same way. oops. :) Hoping either turning the belt around and or getting a new one gets rid of the whine. Thank you again!!!
Ah, yes. I'm guessing the belt is kind of old anyway? If it's been on awhile, it's a good idea to replace it. They're cheap, and that will probably solve the problem (and prevent future failure).
Thank you, interesting video, helped me a lot, in my case the alternator's making a horrible noise when engine running
Thanks you showed me what I needed to know to do the job thanks thanks thanks
Make a video how u got the alternator back in.
Yes, your video's are great. Sorry for the length of this request.
I was wondering, do you have a contact e-mail I can contact you at and send a quick video of a frustrating whining noise I can't seem to pin point?
I recently thought, for sure... a whining noise my 2005 Porsche Boxster, 2.7 litre engine was a simple a belt replacement.
I performed that and took the car for a drive. It sounded.. very quiet and smooth. Lovely. Job well done. So I thought.
After the engine came up to operating temperature, and the ambient air here in Toronto has been normal, 20 - 25 C... (poor Arizona @ 48C)... shortly after the temp stabilized - the whining noise came back. WTF!
The belt is an original Porsche part, belt size 6PK-2115... all running smoothly there and, I've check all the small pulley's, pulley tensioner and its bearing.... they seem fine.
The whining, after the engine reaches temperature, begins. Slowly at first then its a cat tossed into the dryer. Frustrating and embarrassing (yikes - can't afford to fix your car buddy?) Rev the engine and the noise disappears, momentarily.
When I turn the engine off, there is this split second momentary remaining whine as though its inertia carrying over from a motor stopping ???
Is it the alternator? Is it the A/C? Power Steering? Water Pump, Crank pulley? Radiator Fan Motor?
By process of elimination I believe I can say its not the A/C Compressor. I believe its not the Water Pump, Power Steering, or Crank Pulley / Bearing - IMS Bearing (yet... thank God)
Have you come across an Alternator that whines? A Radiator Fan Motor whining?
Any thoughts, tips, tricks would be much appreciated. Sorry for the length of the ask.
Dave Eh!, Toronto, Canada
Hi Dave,
I just finished moving, and some of these comments got a bit lost... Hopefully you've already fixed the problem. If you haven't, have you tried taking the belt off and spinning each of the pulleys (alternator, water pump, etc. by hand)? Feel free to email me a video if you're still fighting with the issue (burnerphotography@gmail.com).
Make sure you don't lose the spacer that sits behind the pulley. Without it your pulley won't clear the alternator and You won't be able to install the bolt properly and the pulley will touch and make contact with the alternator and be cockeyed. Basically unable to finish your job. And now to hunt where the hell it dropped and fell when I pull the bolt out . 🤬
Man you made pulling out the alternator too easy I some rubber in my way, penetrating oil worked for the bushing.
Awesome! Glad it went pretty smoothly... and good call on the voltage regulator!
never leave home without your giant hammer.. incase you meet a giant.. and he needs something done.
It can be a right b'stard to get it back in, too.
Thank you very much
NIce one!
Thank you, sir!
et voilà ! :-)
c'est fait :)
K G6