I am trying to change the alternator pulley on a friend's Ford Galaxy (130bhp PD engine). I have got the alternator out of the car as there was nowhere near enough space to get the pulley off while it was in the car but I can't get the pulley off.

I have the right tool to undo the pulley and I am trying to turn it the right way but it is jammed on tight. I have left it overnight with the middle of the pulley full of penetrating oil which will hopefully loosen it up, but does anyone have any tips for getting the damn thing off?

I'm changing it because the clutch in the pulley has seized and I wonder if this has caused the pulley to tighten on the alternator axle.

If I can't free it tomorrow it will have to out it back on the car as I don't want a galaxy cluttering up the drive and the owner would probably like it back.

Leverage is what you need, or air tools.

Assuming your turning it the right way that is. Normally I insert the tool into the pulley with a 17mm spanner on it and then drop down either the torx or spline bit depending on what type it is and buzz the bit clockwise to release the pulley.

Edited 15 January, 201115 yr by Tech1e

Leverage is what you need, or air tools.

Assuming your turning it the right way that is. Normally I insert the tool into the pulley with a 17mm spanner on it and then drop down either the torx or spline bit depending on what type it is and buzz the bit clockwise to release the pulley.

Yes I was planning on more brute force tomorrow. I had tried it a 17mm spanner on the tool and a breaker bar on the spline down the middle, SWMBO tried to help but I pulled her over...

I double checked that I am turning it the right way.

I think I'll break out the extra leverage tomorrow (scaffolding poles).

Thanks

Edited 15 January, 201115 yr by trundlenut

Well after a night soaking in penetrating oil, I strapped the alternator to the bench, applied brute force and ignorance to the breaker bar clockwise on the axle and hey presto the pulley came loose.

The car no longer squeals like a pig when you move the steering wheel but I think the tensioner has had it as it still bounces around, so that's the next job to do in a week or two - should be a lot more straight forward though.

Cheers for the help Ross, I was a bit worried about too much force damaging the alternator.