I followed the instructions in the Haynes manual so did remove the brace.
It does give better access and I managed to get a short ratchet on the bolt head. Unfortunately I didn’t have the strength to turn it at all. I even tried to tighten it a little first incase that cracked the bond but sadly, no joy.
I’ve resigned myself to having the work done by a garage now.
This evening I removed the alternator belt to avoid any potential issues with sparks (or possibly even fire).
The garage I hope to use is only a couple of miles away so hopefully the battery will last that short distance.
When they fit the new (second hand) alternator I’ll ask them to also replace the alternator and power steering belts.
I like using the double wrench method with a 6 point box wrench(not a 12 point…they round bolt heads too easily). The 2nd wrench angle is usually a different enough angle to maximize torque
Is there much difference between access on the NA compared to the NB?
I know I went in from the top on my NA and wondered if you’d tried the skinned hands route? (small ratchet, think I had a small extension bar on the socket to get the handle to a better place, but pushing down on the handle with gravity-assist helped … eventually).
Out of interest, @TOGs_driver which is the garage?
I know there’s one been recommended (though not for MX-5’s specifically) as being good “at the top of the hill” but that was ten or so years ago now.
I had this problem with my NB. As the old alternator was scrap I seem to remember cutting through the ear which had the threaded end. the bolt head was then able to turn.
Hi Skadgeer, I don’t know if they differ between NA and NB.
For this one I removed the intake manifold brace to gain access from the top but space is still pretty limited.
The chassis rails and accompanying pipes and hoses hamper any access too.
The car is booked in with TC Motors on Chieftain Way in the south of the city on Wednesday. I’ll leave this job to the professionals. (Where’s that chicken emoji?)
).