2007 Nissan Murano alternator replacement cost

I have a 2007 Murano FWD that has 107,000 miles that now needs a new alternator. I looked through some service manuals and it looks like you have to take apart half the engine compartment to get this done, much more difficult than older cars. I can get a new alternator for under $200 but to have it done at a dealer is $650 including labor. Has anyone ever tackled doing this on their own and if so, was it worth it? The dealer also said it would take 3 business days to get the alternator in, which seemed strange to me. Thoughts?

Thanks!

I sure would NOT buy that alternator from a dealer!!!

NOTE: Why do you need a new alternator? You have a used car, surely a good rebuilt alternator is sufficient.

A NAPA rebuilt alternator for my 2007 Murano is $171:
NAPA AUTO PARTS

And the local store can generally get one from Denver (60 miles away) overnight, and if not, most of the time they can have it in two days. I like NAPA parts, and they don't carry the super-cheapo stuff you sometimes get at AutoZone and Advance.

This is a job I am afraid of ever having to do. Replacing the alternator on the MO requires removing the radiator

There isnt much space under the hood to do much without having to remove alot of stuff first. The reason the dealer is charging you that much is because of the amount of time it takes. I came across a youtube video where a MO owner replaced the alternator himself. Looks time consuming and like a PITA, but can surely be done with some hand tools, and patience

Sounds like the OP needs a quotation from an independent shop.

According to the TSB here:

2003-2007 Nissan Murano Alternator Replacement Procedure | Nissanhelp.com

You don't need to remove the radiator, but you do need to remove the cooling fan and exhaust manifold heat shields. I'm thinking about doing this over the weekend. My Murano is going crazy, and it seems like it's the alternator. I've searched and searched on this forum and I haven't found much commentary on replacing the alternator DIY. There is tons of talk about having a dealer do this work, but very little about DIY'ing it. I wish I could find a little more info... That TSB says you need a special tool to refill/purge the cooling system. I found that tool online for about $85. That's about what an independent mechanic will charge for an hour of work around here. Not sure it's worth it.

Thoughts, suggestions?

Hey guys,
I see this is old thread but if soneone has an update on Alternator please reply here.

Huge THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!

Move AC compressor

There are a few videos on YouTube saying you can replace alternator by taking off bolts of AC compressor and move it out of the way. Remove skid plates and take out from bottom. Anyone tried this approach?

I've recently replaced my alternator in my 2003 Murano. It is a big job but if your mechanically inclined you'll be fine. If not so much, out source the job. You do need to remove the cooling fans on the radiator but honestly it's just as easy to remove the entire radiator with the fans still attached. Just unplug both fans and set the wire harness aside and pull the whole unit out as one. *TIP* It helps to have two small 4 inch pieces of tubing (not sure the diameter but you'll see what I'm referring to) with a bolt threaded into one end of each tube to use as "plugs" for the transmission fluid cooling in/outlets on the bottom of the radiator so you don't drip tranny fluid everywhere once you disconnect these lines. Also thread a bolt into the end of both transmission fluid cooling lines as you disconnect them from the radiator to minimize fluid loss while doing this job. You will have to remove the front exhaust manifold heat shield too. *TIP* This step will give you that last ---> <--- little bit of room you will need to get the old alternator out and the new one in. You will need to remove the battery and battery tray. Set the fuse box aside that is attached to the battery tray. The front skirting above the radiator will already be removed to remove the radiator. Just be sure the drivers side part of the skirting that connects to the air inlet box is removed too. So you remove the old alternator by sliding it forward towards the radiator, then slide it across the radiator from passenger side towards the drivers side, then out where the battery tray was. The new alternator goes in the same way, from the battery tray, across the radiator into position. *TIP* This is the only way to get the alternator in/out! Even with removing the radiator with fans attached and removing the exhaust manifold heat shield IT WILL BE VERY TIGHT but you can get it in/out. *TIP* It also help if you can get a large piece of cardboard to place in front of the A/C condenser to help protect it's delicate fins while getting the alternators in and out.

I know this is real random and not a complete guide but it should be enough to help you out. Good luck with your repair and if you need anything else PM me and I'll be glad to assist you further.

Koda

I just replaced the alternator on my 2010 Murano.
What a PITA.