alternator belt probs

[mattg]

Hi all, had this squeeking from the front of my car for about 3 months now, checked everything on suspension side and renewed most of it, squeek/squeel still there.

I started my car this morning and the alternator belt was squeeling like mad, very loud, lasted for about 15 secs then stopped.

I just checked the belt and the ribs are fine, looks quite new if im honest but when i push it down on the longest part of the belt there is like 15-20mm play, i can even turn the belt nearly 90 degrees, i think thats alittle slake wouldnt you say.

My problem is, how the hell do i adjust it to tighten it up, ive looked it the haynes manual and its confusing me like mad. Im switched on when working on cars but can someone please tell me in english how to adjust it.

Thanks, rep waiting

[stevo67]

Right you slacken off but don`t take off the upper & lower pivot bolts on the alternator,then there is an adjustment bolt slacken that off.Then put a long screwdriver down in front of the alternator use it to lever the alternator back towards you until the belt feels tight tighten up the adjuster bolt then the upper & lower pivot bolts.Make sure though that you don`t over tension the belt as you will strain the bearings.

Steve.

[mattg]

Originally Posted by stevo67

Right you slacken off but don`t take off the upper & lower pivot bolts on the alternator,then there is an adjustment bolt slacken that off.Then put a long screwdriver down in front of the alternator use it to lever the alternator back towards you until the belt feels tight tighten up the adjuster bolt then the upper & lower pivot bolts.Make sure though that you don`t over tension the belt as you will strain the bearings.

Steve.

thanks steve.

Just done it, what a bastard to do but now i know how. Thanks, worked a treat. no squeel on start up now, just need to see if it stops the squeel when driving

Repped you buddy

[mattg]

nope didnt sovle the squeek whilst driving, im stuck for ideas now

[stevo67]

Could be the bearings in the alternator,try spraying them with spray grease only a temporary fix though.

Steve.(or the squeal could be from the water pump or cambelt)

Steve.

[Brigbeale]

If you've got a mult-grooved(ribbed) flat belt then it's more than likely worn out. The noise is the crankshaft pulley slipping in the belt.
As the belt bends round the pulleys, essentially each of the ribs on the belt widens and grips the pulley's ribs tighter. When the belt is worn the ribs don't grab the pulley as well and the belt slips making that lovelly noise.
Renew the belt and look at the difference between old and new.

Also while the belt's off, spin the alternator pulley and listen for any roughness in the bearings. See if you can move it sideways. Any noise/movement will mean the alternator needs attention.

[mattg]

lovely job thanks guys, gunna spend the whole day tomorrow examining every possible answer, looked at belt already and looks pretty new so gunna take it off tomorrow and inspect the pulley.

Whilst im doing that i think im gunna jack the car up and inspect the whole front suspension components for the 5th time and just make sure that nothing is causing the squeek also, im getting some knocking there so might as well inspect it all in one go.

Right not being silly but i drove past a saxo today and saw his car up on axle stands but they wernt on the cills, i know the jacking points are on the cills but where is the best place to put the stands when ive jacked it up.

Ive been working on my own cars for years now and have always put the stands under the cills but the car today looked so much safer if you know what i mean. ive seen loads of people doing it but havent had the balls to try anywhere as dont want my car crashing down on me

Thanks guys

[stevo67]

Look underneath your car at the chassis jack it up where 2 pieces of chassis meet it`s a much safer method.


Steve.

[mattg]

okay cheers mate