Hi,
Right now I’m trying to remove the alternator in my 2013 Toyota Corolla S. I unhooked the main alternator wire, but when it came to removing the bolt at the bottom of the alternator, I was unable to because it was stuck. Have a cheap Hyper Tough 3/8 inch drive ratchet and socket set from Walmart that I’m using and am unable to apply enough force to get it loose. Tried spraying with WD40 multiple times, did nothing. Tried hitting it with a hammer a few times (though really wasn’t able to get enough force because the bolt is in an really tight area). About to take a long walk to Walmart to get some PB B’laster and was wondering if it’s even worth it and if there is anything else you guys think I should grab. More of a beginner mechanic so I don’t think I can handle anything involving heat and soldering. Would deeper sockets make a difference? Or a longer ratchet? Thanks!
Deeper sockets won’t increase the turning force you can apply.
A longer ratchet or a breaker bar would help immensely. If you can find a pipe long enough to fit over the ratchet handle you can make it as long as you want(although after 18" or so your Hyper-tough ratchet is just gonna break).
Bought a breaker bar on your recommendation and it worked! Had tried everything else and was about to give up. Thank you.
Short handle ratchet no doubt, you just need a little more leverage.
The only short ones I could find came in sets so I ended up buying a breaker bar and that worked, appreciate the recommendation though.