I'm replacing the alternater on my 88 Honda civic. Does anybody know a method that doesn't require removing the cv axle?

Blow off the CV axle, and instead unbolt the alternator bracket from the block. With the bracket removed, there's plenty of room to drop the alternator straight down and out. While you deal with the bracket--and it sounds like you've had enough trouble already to figure this part out--let the old alternator rest on the subframe, next to the steering coupling.

It's a pain in the , but it's easier than dealing with the axle shaft.

I constantly have had to replace my alternator on my 90 due to leaving lights on and blowing the diode SEVERAL times.. . The easiest way for me has been to work the alternator *after unbolted* behind the engine and under the intate, and squeeze it passed the heater hoses where your speedometer cable enters into the transmission. Becareful doing this though, because you may wind up cracking a hose, or snapping the inner casing of the speedometer cable *as I have done*