The radiator option is the best way to go about it

Brian Clark thanks Brian, that helped me a lot. I took the radiator out AND moved the a/c compressor and it was one of the most difficult jobs I've encountered due to poor tool access and clearances. I hate that tensioner bracket. I can't wait to sell it and get a Toyota or Honda. It bears repeating, I will never buy another one of these pieces of shit again.

Brandon Maxwell do u have any pointers seeing as I can't even get my belt tensioner to loosen so I can remove belt. ..can u please help

This the only part of the jobbi filmed. Some others were successful with this method, others not. If you can trade it in I would. I was told that the CVT died shortly after the alternator...

@@brianclark4615 I wanted to fix it, then put up for sale? Will the code machine tell me exactly what is wrong with it? Also, what did the car do that let you know the alternator was broken? What problems were you having? I just want to know a little before taking to mechanic. A lot of them cheat and over charge, especially women. If you can let me know I appreciate it? Thank you very much. Be safe, take care and God Bless

@@TY-mx9fr I tested the alternator using a clamp on ammeter, voltmeter and checked voltage out to the battery. This was after I had replaced a battery and the baf alternator killed the new battery. I also found several locations where the engine grounds to chassis were corroded. They affected the operation as well. I do not believe you will see a code for alternator but, you may be able to bring to autozone and have it checked out. They do simple tests for battery and alternator performance. I bought my alternator from rock auto. Decent prices. Good luck. I hated that vehicle. Never again will I buy a Nissan.

I have a 2003 1st gen Murano and the CVT still purrs like a kitten. Love the car, hate whenever I have to working on!

I am ALSO trying this method, and am having the SAME problem. The compressor is completely out of the way, BUT there is NOT enough room to remove the alternator this way! The alternator will not pass in this opening as the framework and engine (by the oil pan) get in the way.

Yup, remove the fan assembly ( i didn't have to unplug anything just lift up and swing over the fender, remove the battery and battery tray and you can slide the alternator past the radiator up through the hole where the battery was. Well, slide is the wrong word force the SOB past the exhaust and up through the hole. I used a piece of 1/4" plywood to protect the radiator. Don't forget to unclip the transmission cooler line that is attached to the bottom of the fan assembly. There is a video on KZfaq on how to do it this way and the factory manual also has it this way. Good luck this is a terrible project but it will go easier this way. Happy to answer any questions.

WELL, I was FINALLY able to get the old alternator out by getting as MUCH slack in the AC Compressor lines as I could, moved the Compressor OUT and to the right as far as possible (ended up removing most of the fender liner and trim near the 'opening'), AND removed the old alternator by sliding it UNDER the re-located compressor (slightly to the left of compressor) while holding up the compressor. This was NOT via the hole mentioned above, in the video, but the usual access hole used to work on the belts and pulleys.

what a pos ! after 3 hours finally it's removed (from the side) thanks for the input. no way it's coming out of bottom

I had issues with many fasteners on that car. Used PB blaster and let it soak for most. For some i picked up a kit at sears. m.sears.com/craftsman-10-pc-damaged-bolt-nut-remover-set-low/p-00952166000P

I just went through this. Ended using a bolt extractor for this particular stud/nut combo. Had to order them from the dealer. Rust is a big problem where I am.

Ford

Jorge I worked between top access and bottom access to get the thing out. I am very sure i removed through bolt nut and through bolt from the top. There are descriptive images if you Google nissan murano alternator replacement

Brian Clark that's what I thought. I'll be trying this

Brian Clark any thoughts on moving the compressor out of the way? Did you have to move the metal lines? I'm sure it doesn't move out of the way just like that

Jorge Molina that is what i did. There are other posts and movies of guys who did the work same as me. Metal lines are attached to flex hoses and gave enough room for me. Not an easy job but it seems easier than how Nissan recommends

Thanks for your replies. I managed to get it out by a combination of doing what you did with the compressor line and I had to lower the cradle by a few inches to get enough clearance from the oil pan. Now tracing my steps back. This was a pain in the butt.

Connie, I am sorry it didn't work out for you. Hopefully you will not have to do this job again. Nissan never again for me.

Right! Anytime you watch a video and a part is magically out of the vehicle.... DON'T BELIEVE IT! haha