I replaced my alternator today and just had a couple of comments to add:

I am in the process of replacing mine on my 99 S70 n/a for the second time. It is fairly simple, (maybe an hour for removal and an hour for installation) but here are the steps I took:

1: Disconnect positive battery cable ...

Awesome. Thanks for the information. I'll take a look at the idler as soon as I get the chance.

Pauloll: what is the reason for replacing the starter cable and B+ cable?

How often do alternators fail? Am I better off getting a new one?

Awesome. Thanks for the info.

The bearings are starting to make a bunch of noise so unfortunately I need to replace the whole thing.

I have a 1999 V70 XC AWD and need to replace the alternator.

The local pick-n-pulls have a couple of 1998 V70s. I'm not sure where to look to see if I can take an alternator from one of the '98s and put it in my car. I'd appreciate any advice!

Also, is alternator failure a common problem; should ...

Ah, that does come off. It was stuck pretty tight. Thanks!

I cut a cheap BIC pen in half lengthwise and that did the trick! Thanks a ton for the hint.

I broke the piece pictured. It goes from the Intake Manifold to the Oil Separator. I have two questions

1) How was I supposed to take it off (it just kind of snapped while I was moving around the manifold to disconnect some hoses)?

2) How do I replace it?

Thanks!

Removing the intake manifold has been a huge pain, and I'm not even done yet. I'm probably not going to bother since I did finally manage to get enough clearance to remove the oil separator, but for future references:

How do I disconnect this wire from the intake manifold: IMG_2292.JPG

The ...

Cool. I'll give it a shot.