Hi all- have a V6 2004 Escape, needs the alternator replaced. Shop quoted me 7.8 hours of labor time. Anyone with experience on this? Can this possibly be true?

Service advisor said it's because the alternator for this vehicle is in a very difficult place and a lot has to be taken apart just to get to it, and it's about an 8 hour job. Normally an alternator is relatively easy, but on this make and model, it's difficult.

I haven't given them the go ahead just yet. Does anyone have experience with this? Any help as quickly as possible is tremendously appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

Normally alternators are a breeze but this one is about 2.5 hours worth of work and cussing. You can either Jack it up and remove the passenger side axle and take it out that way or work it our through the top by the hvac equipment.

If they're charging you 7.8 hours I would look for a different mechanic.

There are a couple of good threads here with step by step instructions. I've done two or three and hated it every time.

 

I haven't had to do it yet on my Mariner, but I've done it several times on the V6 Contour which has an almost identical arrangement. It's a real PITA.

Yeah, almost 8 hours isn't supported.

 

Been there, done that. Top is a pain, but less pain than completely removing the passenger side wheel, brakes, and axle.
In fact, I replaced mine and I had the right side removed for a wheel bearing and I still went through the top with mine.