What size of a socket i need to remove the main nut holding the alternator fan blade?

 

I believe it is 15/16

 

Might need air tools... that $#@&!@ is on there tight!

Why are you trying to remove it, anyway?

 

Could someone verify that for sure?

I want to polish my alternator.....

 

Can't you just go out and start sticking sockets over it to see if they fit or not? When I had to remove mine, it was a fairly large nut. 7/8 or 15/16 sounds right.

 

I wish i could..The largest socket i have is 22mm

 

Unless you are comfortable taking the alt. completely apart to polish the case, I'd suggest leaving it alone. The filings will destroy the bearings and can also damage the internals.

 

I checked, 15/16 for sure.

 

Yes, i will take it all apart and thanks for double checking the nut for me. Now, i will go ahead and buy that socket..

 

Make sure you get the Allen wrench or Torx bit you need to hold the alternator shaft while you turn the nut. It's going to be pretty tough with a socket, which is why I like a wrench instead. You'll learn to appreciate anti-seize compound after doing a few of these, too.

I suppose you could spilt the case and hold the alternator rotor in a vise to turn the nut, but use catution not to distort the rotor pole pieces. An imbalanced alternator rotor is a grenade with a loose pin....

 

I take them off with a impact wrench, usually they are on there so tight and rusty that a regular wrench is is often useless.

 

Yep, an impact gun is the way to go. BTW, I just tryed a 15/16 on my 1987 alternator & it fits perfect.