2000 Mercury Cougar review from North America

Second alternator replaced in four months.

First alternator failed after 130,000 miles; second alternator failed after 15,000 miles. Mechanics point to worn bearings in idler and tensioner pulleys. Replaced idler pulley for $18, and replaced bearing in tensioner puller for $1.61 using a hammer and old bearing as a press. Stayed away from dealership, which wanted $70 for tensioner pulley. Alternator is next to exhaust converter (high heat), is underneath car engine (road grime and dirty engine oil), and is impossible to remove without special tools (4 foot extension attached to breaker bar to remove upper alternator bolt), and required that the exhaust joint, half shaft, knuckles be remove to access alternator. Total labor on two alternator replacements was $1000; total parts $400. 1970s cars alternators cost $45 to $60, and were located on top front of engine (change out time was 30 minutes). The car designers should be required to change out alternators, starters and other routine replacement parts in the cars that they design, and live the frustration and high cost of what used to be routine backyard repairs. The only left for backyard mechanics is the oil and air filters.