Hi, I really appreciate your great videos. I've done this job many times. The only thing that I find easier is when everything is out of the way, (about at 6 min. point of your video) I work from the top (not under) the car to remove alternator. The bolts are visible and easily accessible . I remove wiring AFTER the alternator is out and in my hand. Super easy. Thought I'd pass it on

@mod mini I dont think I've ever seen a "how to" as thorough as what I just watched. This alternator is BURIED and you still made it look easy. I'm impressed!!! THank you!!!

I'm doing a repair myself on my R53. Your videos are very helpful and i'm pretty sure it will be in rotation this weekend as i tackle this DIY project.

Thanks Mod MINI. First go round took a while but in the end she is all back together and battery is charging!! You rock!

I recently got a R50 mini and my alternator started giving me problems about a week ago. This video was very helpful with a indepth step by step install. When my new alternator comes in, I won't get stuck hopefully. Thank you!

A really helpful video very specific in order and even tells you what size sockets and wrenches you will need. One of the most comprehensive videos I found

Very informative, I have been asked several times to do alternators on these, and because of the position I have always refused. After watching you do one I will not refuse any more, thank you for your knowledge and sharing.

One of the best video I ever had seen, so illustrated, clear voice, best photography and all so prompt perfect and fast paced, two thumbs up !!

Just did this, thanks to you! I didn’t have to pull the AC unit down nor disconnect the driver side horn. There was plenty of room to access the alternator just sliding the whole radiator and AC unit forward on 150mm bolts (m8x1.0 not m10 as listed in the video). I followed other commenters advice to remove the alternator first carefully then remove the wires from the top. My power cable actually was different than in your video (‘05 r53) so it was even easier. Thanks so much for your videos they really are phenomenal! Next I’m tackling the strut mounts.

I'm doing a neighbours alternator next weekend on his R53 and you just made my day a lot easier so thank you ✌

Just replaced mine last week. I am a novice at best, and had this video at the ready the whole way. Can not tell you how much this helped me. Now I am scanning your videos for the next project. Thank you Sir!

@gken69

4 жыл бұрын

How long did it take you to get the job done?

@jamescooper5005

Ай бұрын

Thanks for doing this video, I’ve just done the alternator on my R53 and this video was brilliant, used it a lot as a reference as I went through.

Thank you so much for your videos..I replaced my clutch last year from your videos now replacing the alternator .you made the videos so anyone can get a he job done.please continue to make more videos.so my car will continue to run!

Wonderful Video, Great explaining on the steps to change the alternator. Thank you Sir! although at 3:50 we were confused as the slider bolts we used are thread M8 X 1.25 not M10

Thank you for making this video! You saved me a lot of time and hassle!

@mikestraker1770

6 жыл бұрын

Chad Elish mikestraker

This video saved my life. Funny thing is, I've been putting of getting a 15% pulley. This repair was a must, and gave me a reason to put the new pulley on. Thanks a ton!!!

thanks man. just finished doing my alternator on my 2003 Cooper S. this helped immensely.

Thanks! It was definitely the alternator. And, this video helped in so many ways. Now to get it all back together. The m8 bolts worked great.

Great video. Followed your instructions with the exception I needed 8mmx1.25 bolts to hang the front end on my STD 2003 Mini. The 10mm x 1.25 thread was too big. Thank you for taking the time to make clear instructions for the home mechanics. This saved me $1,000 over local dealer quote.

@ModMINI

4 жыл бұрын

The bolt is M8. I stated incorrectly in video and KZread got rid of annotations.

About to do this job. Your videos are always spot on and so helpful!

Thank you for this video! I just changed the alternator in my 2005 Cooper S and I used this as a reference.

Great video!!! Helped so much that you spec'd out all the bolts and fasteners along the way. Very very helpful video. Made it an easy job! But yes the service bolts for sliding the front assem off are M8 x 1.25, not M10. Thanks very much!

I followed this video's directions and I was able to change the alternator without any problems. Thanks a bunch.

Just finished.....SUCCESS!!!! 😍 I didn't bother disconnecting snorkel or a.c & still had plenty of work space. Thank you as always sir. Your the very Best!!!

Glad that you pointed out where each of the bolts were. That helps. Very thorough vid sir. Best on KZread!

@stildo6848

4 жыл бұрын

To anyone reading this comment years after the Video, not just any M10 bolt from ACE will work. You need to verify the thread pattern. Take one of these bolts with you and make sure you’re getting the right part.

@rakuchina

2 ай бұрын

@@stildo6848Sure it’s an M10x1.25, and not an M8x1.25?

@stildo6848

2 ай бұрын

@@rakuchina well, it was 4 years ago when I posted this so, no. Did a M8x1.25 work for you? The M10 the video mentioned didn’t work for me, which is why I said this. I also said take some hardware with you to the hardware store to verify.

@rakuchina

2 ай бұрын

@@stildo6848 No, not yet. I’ve been procrastinating all because of this confusion, and MOD MINI maybe too busy to reply. The M8’s are plentiful and cheaper on Amazon; whereas the M10’s are harder to find and pricier. Was shocked out of a fastener store when they printed a PO and asked me to pay for a “rusty” 3’ M10x1.25 rod for close to $100!!! Would someone just shout out which one is a exact fit, M8x1.25 or M10x1.25? Much appreciated!

@rakuchina

2 ай бұрын

M8!

Wish I had read the comments before going to find those M10 bolts because mine were M8s as some others reported. Other than that great video. One TIP for people who cant wait to order the belt tensioner tool online - I just used my big floor jack with a foot long piece of 2 inch steel pipe set under the tensioner pulley. You do have to go at a slight angle so it wants to push your jack out - to solve this I ended up using another 8 foot piece of pipe between the jack and the brick at the back of the garage. 3 pumps and I could see the 2nd hole and put a 10p nail in it. Contriving this solution was the hardest part for me as I didnt want to order the tool. Great video thanks!

Thank you for recording this. My son and I used this video to recenter the serpentine belt. It skipped a tooth on the super charger pulley and was rubbing on the engine.. Was weird because it was the only pulley that was out of alignment. We're both novices - and you helped out. Many thanks.

@ModMINI

4 жыл бұрын

The others are non-adjustable. This one is is barely adjustable.

Wow great job you made it look easy, these DIY vids are awesome they help when your in a pinch thank you.

Thank you, Mod Mini, for the video and the many useful comments from your fans. I was able to get rid of the battery light on 2nd try (1st Amazon renewed alternator was a dud, but the second one, a TYC, fired right up, the light went away and the power steering came back, and confirmed that the 1st Bosch reman was a dud.) Yes, I found that working on the alternator from the top was easier; and the threaded rods are indeed M8…! Now I am better at putting the Mini in front-end service mode all thanks to you! Next project, supercharger service! I wonder if it’s possible to do it w/o disconnecting the coolant hose(s) or the a/c system…

Awesome video. Very informative, great video of explaining how to accomplish the task. Very helpful.Thank you

This was the best video on the mini for alternator swap. Great job. 👍

Great Video - THANKS. We used it on my son's 2004 Mini Cooper, Base. There were some minor differences, but it was essentially the same. The long bolts you recommended to hold the radiator are a great help. On ours the bolts are M8x1.25 (not M10). Our big box store did not carry these any longer than 2-1/2". I could get some 5/16x18 (coarse thread) x6" bolts to go in a few threads with no damage and able to hold the light weight. We did not have a belt tensioner tool, but were able to push up on the bracket from underneath with a crow bar and have another person remove the belt.

@ModMINI

5 жыл бұрын

Sorry, the bolts are M8 but I can't go back and change the video. I have put in video description but nobody looks at that.

To add to the long 8M bolt issue - Long bolts appear to be nonexistent. Adapting, I went to Ace Hardware for a 5/16th x 12 inch rod, cut it in half and threaded it with a 8M 1.25 die. This provides more than 4 inches to work with, making the alternator pretty easy to remove and replace. Thanks. This is a great video. Sure beats the trial and error method :-)

Thank you for such a detailed excellent tutorial, will be changing mine this weekend thanks to you...

Great video......helped me a stack with my 2006 R53 Cooper S. However, the M10 bolts you suggested to extend the radiator travel are actually M8 on my model. Still great tutorial and I have the alternator off.

The best educational video. That I see Wow Thank a lot for share your knowledge. 5 STARTS!!!!

You're the best out there! Thank you for all your videos!

Found this video when I needed to replace mine, followed the steps got it done in 45 minutes to an hour!

Other tip is to test the new alternator and check belt alignment before bolting everything back up. Great Vid!

Thank you for this video. I’ve been doing lots of work on our mini. This was very helpful!

Very helpful video, thanks for doing a properly edited video!

Great tutorial and very much appreciated. Just replaced my alternator (Cooper s 2007) using this method.

Just for the garage mechanic who doesn't have a tension reliever tool. If you look down on the actual tension arm you can use a standard pry bar. Using the area where the tensioner bolts to the engine (and pivots) rest the pry bar there using it as a fulcrum and with the spoon of the bar facing up you can grab the lip of the tensioner arm and leverage it up enough to release the belt. Necessity is the mother of invention. Thanks for a well done video.

@ModMINI

2 жыл бұрын

Works, but keep your fingers (and your friend's fingers) clear... and be careful not to damage the pulleys

The very best auto repair video or any You tube do-it-yourself video I have seen. Did the replacementwithout issue. Extremely accurate and did not miss anything. The only issue I had was the two M10x1.25x200mm+ bolts, I could not find anywhere so I ordered 300+MM threaded rod M10 with 1.25 threads. The treaded rod of course was too large since I think the author was just describing the M10 hex bolt size. Tip: Just but 2 cheap 8" long Phillips screw driver at the hardware store 6$ each, put a little vinyl electric tape to protect the female threads and use that to slide out the front end. For all mini repairs will look for MOD MINI- thanks dude

@ModMINI

9 жыл бұрын

Daniel Mullin Thanks. I need to check those bolts again, they might be M8...

@theriophonic

9 жыл бұрын

***** Just checking as I'm about to attempt this. Have you checked what the bolts are yet. Thanks in advance.

Great video, as always! I noticed that this car also has a leaking crank sensor o-ring. You mentioned in another video of yours, it is a very common problem. If I work on as many R53's as you do, I would keep a few on hand for times like this. You were right there!

@ModMINI

9 жыл бұрын

I usually do have spares on hand, but I gave out my last one a short while ago. This car will need a clutch in the next year or so - the owner said we can just change it then.

@pintaileddy

4 жыл бұрын

@@ModMINI Do you recommend changing the crank sensor o ring while replacing the alternator? Is access easy? If so I will change since it never has been and it has 131,000

well done on your video... VERY HELPFUL!! An 04 came into my shop today for alt, belt and tensioner, oil pan and gasket, both CV axles, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway links and much more... customer asked if it would be done today lol... Workin on it😇

@ModMINI

7 жыл бұрын

Wow, that's a full day job even for someone who's done those jobs over and over. How long did it take?

Great video! I really appreciate all the information. It made the job super easy.

This was very good. I found it easier to disconnect the alternator after I had 'dropped' it from the engine. This was nearly as good as the cylinder head video.

You are my hero! Nothing easy on a mini.

I can’t believe someone can dislike a perfect tutorial he gave even the stupidest detail great job broo @mod mini

@ModMINI

4 жыл бұрын

No matter the video, 10% will dislike it

Just updating my previous comment. Good news!!! Check Engine light went away!!! Thanks again for sharing this how to videos.

Extremely helpful and well done. This video deserves respect!

BRAVO !! AWESOME JOB..to the point no bs..thank you sir

Great videos very informative & spot on explanations & demonstration great work thanks

I know its been years since you posted this. But thank you. Your video turned a tedious job into a much shorter experience.

@ModMINI

4 жыл бұрын

Video still getting lots of views

@soundmiami

4 жыл бұрын

@@ModMINI it gets many views from me (as do most of your vids) because I keep putting in cheap parts then I need to do it again in a year.. By then I forgot all the nuts and bolts from last time.

@Elfangor12

2 жыл бұрын

@@ModMINI I have no idea why my voltage regulator failed. But I am once again replacing my alternator and your video is once again a god send

Great Video!!! Followed it step by step last night on my Ipad while I was in the shop :)

@ModMINI

9 жыл бұрын

Dan Donohue That's one way to do it. Technology!

Great video! Very helpful. Does anyone know how well this alternator replacement last? How reliable it is?

Awesome video, thank you so much saved me $800!!

Very helpful this video, thanks a lot. My new alternator is spinning in the Mini now.

Great video! Just what I needed today! Thank you for the video!!

Instructions are on point and thanks for your how-to video, much appreciated! Question, I noticed my alternator wire plug cracked along the edge when I removed it, it still looks in tact but I want to know if I should still use this original one.

Your'e videos are excellent. I've saved several several thousand dollars.

Thank you very much for making this video. I wouldn’t know what remove to get this blasted alternator out

Great vid, thanks. I had the longer top alternator bolt snap when trying to fit. It didn't seem to pull the top of the alternator tight to engine casing, I could feel tension on the bolt, and it snapped. Maybe I didn't have the alternator correctly aligned, like you pointed out in this vid.

Geez Kurt, you make it look like you've worked on the cars before lol. Hay Fozee Black said i need to bring my Clubman S to you so you can do a video. Just kidding, you make everything you do look so easy! Keep up good work, Mike.

@ModMINI

9 жыл бұрын

Yeah I've worked on the R53 platform a lot. I do need to make some second generation videos - it's an untapped market! Bring it on over. :-)

Thanks for the video. Your videos help out a ton!!

amazing video as always, replaced my alternator with it flawlessly thanks brotha!

@jaymangan8288

2 жыл бұрын

Did you have any issues finding the tensioner tool? I’m stuck at this point and can’t find one in BC.

@delaceybrown9538

Жыл бұрын

Got one off Amazon no problem Not sure if they have Autozone up there but I assume they have something similar where they will loan you the tool. You could use mine if there was a way to get it to ya

Great video we need you in the uk !!!! :)

If only u could come over to Sweden and help me and my buddy with his 04 S .... Im freaking out over all the screws and stuff that needs to be removed.... Really good tutorial tho! Big thumbs up!

i have a 2004 mini, what belt tool do i need, when i look around, it appears there are several types, thanks

Good video, thanks. And it did end up being as easy as it looked.

Doing this one today...better fix my power steering issue ;) (Did the swap of the PS pump last weekend and still goes out) :( Thanks again for your videos and guidance!

@payne51558

Жыл бұрын

Ok hope not doing something wrong? But all my radiator fluid came out when I took off the 2x10mm bolts holding on the a/c condenser???

@payne51558

Жыл бұрын

Ok thank you again to Kurt Turns out that the "previous" alternator change, 3.5 years ago, "someone" put in a 10mm bolt that was too long and "pierced" the plastic on the the radiator!!!!! Crazy as their were no leaks in those years! Just using the same bolts that are too long, and added RTV sealing and crossing my fingers "short-term"....sigh

Another fantastic video. I don't see a specific video that addresses the serpentine belt itself. My question for you is, how often do you replace the idler pulley and tensioner? I am unaware of a factory recommended replacement interval. Belt manufacturers push replacing all three at once. Could you please provide some insight?

I have a quick question, I have a 2002 mini cooper supercharged like this one, and the cheapest one i could find was the 15411 like the one he has a link for, but the website says it doesn't fit the car, thats its only for the cooper base model, before I buy, just want to make sure, its good to use.

@mod mini This video saved me so much time and money just like all of your other videos. I’ve gotten pretty good at fixing problems with my mini. I thought about doing a “local mini mechanic” side gig. My question for you is how do your clients hear about you and how do you get business? And do you think that is a good idea for me to try? Thanks buddy! I’d love if you could get back to me!👍

Thank you, Sir. You've been a big help.

Great explainer ! best videos. How much time did this job take to complete ?

wow you make this look so easy. skills

fantastic video! Thank you!

Thanks for the help buddy... Was very helpful

Hi. Thank you for all the Mini related videos. Can you upload a video that shows how to change the Transmission Fluid on R53? Or just how to lower the sub frame? Thank you.

@ModMINI

6 жыл бұрын

Watch clutch replacement video. Both of those are covered.

Great guide many thanks really helped me

Love your videos, I replaced my alternator and the voltage output under load is 12.5 still, trying to do voltage drop tests and test connections any tips on this since the battery is in the back? thanks -Connor

@ModMINI

8 жыл бұрын

It is normal to drop to that range when under load and only at idle. When the RPMs go up, it should generate more voltage.

Thanks for sharing really helpful mate

Why does my mcs 04 throw a check engine light with eml light and bogs tryna to pass 4000rpms and idles rough plz help I checked my alternator voltage and it was at 13.9 low and idea what's going on

Nice job, I just did the water pump, then after putting it back together I found out my rad leaked. Fortunately its all nice and easy to R&R

Thank you for the video. I heard a whirring/whining sound similar to power steering sound. I think it's a diode. I'm just gonna go ahead and replace the alternator and belt also. Thank you! FYI!!! my 05 mini Cooper S has been issued another recall on the power steering. let your customers know.

@ModMINI

7 жыл бұрын

It could be that or the idler pulley.

I think my serpentine belt ceased up, and it caused my Mini to go into limp mode were it had just enough power to get off the road; also, the temperature gauge nearly maxed out all at the same time. Battery and check engine light came on at the same time. Would a failing alternator cause the serpentine belt to cease up and stop the entire belt?

Hi Mod Mini. I appreciate you making and sharing this video. I helped me a lot this holiday weekend. I replaced Power Steering Pump and Alternator. Followed your instructions step by step. Question: After I was done with the repairs, I started the car and it runs great, No leaks and the battery light went away. But now, I get the yellow Check Engine light. Why is this? it was not on before the repairs. Is it like a reset code? Please help.

@ModMINI

7 жыл бұрын

You shouldn't get a code just from doing those two jobs. You may have left something unplugged. You'll have to read the code to get an idea of what the problem is.

A New Super thanks from France

Wow! Just saw Haily Melendez's post, and your reply, from a year ago! Looks like it might just could be what's going on here! PSP power is cut when alt dies to limp you home!

Thank you for posting such a thorough video! Really helped me a lot in being able to do it by myself 🥳

mod mini, you use the torquimetro in all the screws ?????

hello @Modmini , thank you a lot for good videos , I need some help , I will change alternator on my mini r53 but i dont have the special key , can you tell me how can I do without it ?

@ModMINI

6 жыл бұрын

You mean the belt removal tool? You need to get the tool.

Hey Mod mini ! Thank you very much with your videos ! It helped me well with my mini cooper r50 from 2002. I do have a problem with my alternator since today ( voltage off my battery : 12.4v motor turned off and 11.7v motor turned on + little warning light of the battery on my dashboard ) i suppose my alternor is done ... Is it normal that my steering pump stopped working as well at the same time ? Thank you for your video , hope you can help. Florent

@ModMINI

7 жыл бұрын

It is either alternator or power steering pump failure causing significant current draw and alternator is unable to keep up with current demand. You could maybe try pulling the main power lead to the power steering pump (get under the car and pull hard backward from the connector on the top of the PS pump to disconnect plug from connector). If voltage returns to normal (it should be about 14v with engine running), you know what the problem is.

My 03 mcs has a strange grinding noise coming from below the supercharger. Had a mechanic look at it n he said its the bearing in the alternator so im gunna replace that tonight. Just seeing if thats what you think it could be also. Would really hate to do this install if its a waste of time. Let me know. Thanks.

@ModMINI

7 жыл бұрын

I would have to listen to the car with a stethoscope to have any comment. Good luck. I've not personally seen an alternator make noise, usually it's idler pulley or supercharger going bad but it can certainly be the alternator.

Hi, perfect video ! thanx ! do you know where I can find the engine number ?? Because the sticker on the top of the motor is missing... thank you.

@ModMINI

4 жыл бұрын

Sorry, not sure.

I have a spare R50 alternator. Do you know if it will fit an R53? Thanks again for the guide! Seems easy enough to replace.

@ModMINI

9 жыл бұрын

Thai Dang I have no idea. Compare it to a picture of an R53 alternator? If it looks the same, it should fit.

Kick A$$ video. My alt was frozen as well. Just dropped the alternator your video was key. Thanks man

hello again ModMINI , thank you for answers , but i still have problem on my 2004 Mini Cooper S I changed the alternator and the car was running very good ( it started and charged very good) the same day later tryed to start but it doesn't !! I was measured and it doesn't CHARGE !! I started manually and it was still not charging , after 10 min it started to charge ! So is the samme problem like the old alternator SOMETIMES charg sometime NOT :( do you please have any idea what the problem is ?

@rosiegutierrez9623

4 жыл бұрын

Did you ever find a fix? Having the same issue. Please Help!!!

Hi, Mod Mini Could you clarify, please. In the video, the captions read M10 bolts; but in the description it says M8 bolts. Which is correct? Thanks!