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The alternator store rounded the bolt on my alternator so I can’t get it off my 2004 g35x. I changed the belts (there are two one for ac and one for alternator) since I did that the car has a voltage when in park of approx 14Vdc if I turn the ac on it can maintain around 13.9v to 14v however that is with the blower at lowest setting if I go to the highest setting as we are in the summer months it quickly starts to fall and in order to maintain the 14v I must have my engine rpm at least 1000.

My question is can I just keep monitoring the voltage and use the car or should I be looking to get rid of it. (I am not interested in spending loads of cash as it’s a 15 year old car at this point)

The other question I have is would it fail completely or does the charging rate get progressively less until I need to redline her to charge the battery?

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  • 19
    Get the alternator store to replace that bolt... They damaged it...
    – Solar Mike
    Jul 16, 2019 at 14:28
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    Two thoughts: 1) 15 years isn't an old car these days, 2) Why would you junk a car over a 50-cent bolt that can be extracted and replaced in 10 minutes by any competent DIYer?
    – Carey Gregory
    Jul 17, 2019 at 1:11
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    @SolarMike What makes you think they won't make things worse through negligence given that they were okay with treating OP like this?
    – MonkeyZeus
    Jul 17, 2019 at 12:10
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    @SolarMike Is this "alternator store" one of the places you go to and can vouch for? A word of caution is often times very useful. Count your blessings that you haven't had to deal with unreal levels of ineptitude.
    – MonkeyZeus
    Jul 17, 2019 at 12:24
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    @infinitelyfocused From your replies, it sounds like you don't like the car, and just want a reason to junk it rather than try a simple repair. So junk it. There are many people who'd take it off your hands, even with the problem.
    – PeteCon
    Jul 17, 2019 at 16:02

3 Answers 3

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A rounded bolt is not a reason to junk a car. The numbers you're quoting sound fine for an alternator; if it was below 12V, I'd be worried. If you're still concerned, take the car to a spares store and ask them to check the battery and alternator.

When it does come time to change the alternator, getting the bolt off would not take a lot of extra time; there are several ways to do it.

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  • 9
    Several, several ways to do it ...
    – Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 ♦
    Jul 16, 2019 at 21:43
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    In fact, a picture of said bolt might be a great follow up question....
    – Journeyman Geek
    Jul 17, 2019 at 2:11
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    Below 13V would be cause for worry (unable to charge), but 13.9 or even 13.4 is perfectly fine.
    – R.. GitHub STOP HELPING ICE
    Jul 17, 2019 at 4:54
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    I don't think a picture is even necessary. People have dealt with stripped, fully rusted bolts. This is not a big deal. Any remotely competent mechanic can get that thing off readily.
    – Nelson
    Jul 17, 2019 at 8:59
  • @nelson remotely competent mechanics are harder to find in NYC than the end of a rainbow and fighting off quack mechanics drains more energy than kryptonite.
    – Infinitelyfocused
    Jul 17, 2019 at 15:38
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I have seen somebody spot-weld a short bolt to the rounded nut they are having trouble removing. It's cheap and quick if the equipment is on hand.

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  • thats a great suggestion. I will certainly ask a mechanic about doing that.
    – Infinitelyfocused
    Jul 17, 2019 at 15:34
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Go to whatever chain auto parts store is nearby they will test the alternator, likely for free. That at least would answer your question about needing to replace it.

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