If you're going to be DIYing on the car, get the special tool, it makes life so much easier. When you do the alternator it would be also a good time to replace the oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) since the 6 bolts that holds the housing to the block can be access once the alternator is off. My OFHG went at 144,000 miles, but your X is the same age as mine so could be age dependent or mileage dependent.

Welcome to the forum.

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2006 Infiniti G35
2001 BMW 3.0I E53 X5 Build date 08/2000 SOLD
Lotus Europa 1970 Destroyed by fire
Lotus Europa 1970 S2 Renault Powered
Lotus Type 52 1970 Twincam Webers Powered
PORSCHE 911 Targa 1982 The Garage Queen
Audi Avant donated to Kars for Kids
BMW 525IT Sold
Audi 4000CS Quattro Sold
Jensen Healey Lotus Powered Sold
Opel 1900 Sold
Triumph Spitfire 1971 Sold
Triumph Spitfire 1968 Sold
Plymouth "Cuda" 340 Six pack SOLD