Hey I've got a 01 Honda Civic that won't start. Prior to this, the alternator was showing signs that it was malfunctioning and I've had a couple of instances when the starter wouldn't engage. I just pulled out the starter today and am trying to get the alternator out as well. Its my first time taking the alternator out and I'm just wondering what the easiest way to get to it and remove it is. I believe the power steering pump is located directly above the alternator but I don't want to just start taking out parts and belts without it being necessary. Any help would be greatly appreciated for this novice DIYer.

You have to remove the power steering pump to get the alternator out. Make sure you disconnect the battery before removeing the alternator or you might blow your main fuse. The p.s pump is easy to remove. You will have to remove the bracket holding the a/c lines that's just 2 bolts (10mm) and that will let you get at the lower stud for the p.s pump. Then just turn the wing nut and loosen off the nut on the bottom of the p.s pump(12mm) and the upper bolt. Before you do that pull the p.s reservoir out of its holder and move it aside. Once the pump is out of the way remove the p.s pump reservoir holder so that the top bolt on the alternator will slide out far enough to get the alt out.
Next remove the 2 clips holding the side of the splash shield (in the wheel well) to access the lower bolt. Once you remove that the alternator will come out the top fairly easy!
Just a tip: free up the adjustor on the alternator while it is out, much easyer for installation.. assemble in reverse order and your all set good luck

Fairly easy job

See if this helps:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-honda-civics-46563-2.html#post224856