Can a worn belt tensioner damage an alternator?
It’s just the opposite. A worn tensioner actually increases tension on the belt and that increased tension can damage the nose bearings on your AC compressor, power steering pump and alternator. Here’s why.
When to replace a serpentine belt tensioner?
Repair Topics > Belts Serpentine & Timing > When to replace serpentine… Let’s get this straight from the get-go, a serpentine belt tensioner doesn’t last the life of the vehicle. In fact, most start to show serious wear right around the 100K mile mark. You may think a worn tensioner just means your belt loses tension; you’d be wrong.
How do you remove an alternator from a car?
If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt.
What does a loose belt tensioner sound like?
If the drive belt noise resembles a squeal or a squeak, it is possible that the belt tensioner is loose. This is especially the case when starting the engine first thing in the morning. Since the tensioner is not able to maintain the correct tension on the belts, it produces a squealing or squeaking sound.
Can a manual tensioner be used to replace an alternator?
The belt tensioner will only travel (swing) so far which can make installing the belt difficult. Never pry or force the belt onto the pulley. Vehicles with a manual tensioner or the belt tightens with the alternator, there should about ½ inch of deflection in the belt between the pulleys with the greatest distance between them. 7
Repair Topics > Belts Serpentine & Timing > When to replace serpentine… Let’s get this straight from the get-go, a serpentine belt tensioner doesn’t last the life of the vehicle. In fact, most start to show serious wear right around the 100K mile mark. You may think a worn tensioner just means your belt loses tension; you’d be wrong.
What’s the best way to replace an alternator?
Ensure all the bolt and/or nut threads are started and tighten them evenly. On some vehicles, the electrical connections will need to be installed first before permanently tightening the alternator for access reasons. Place the drive belt in position and ‘rotate’ the belt tensioner so the belt can be installed.
What should be the deflection between the drive belt and alternator?
Vehicles with a manual tensioner or the belt tightens with the alternator, there should about ½ inch of deflection in the belt between the pulleys with the greatest distance between them. Once the alternator, drive belt, and electrical connections are reinstalled, scan the work area and make sure nothing has been overlooked.
Why do you need a belt tensioner for a belt drive?
The belt tension is the key to the proper functioning of the accessory belt drive system. Transferring torque to run the accessories is the main task of the belt tensioner and anything that interferes with that transfer is a problem.
How often should I replace my belt tensioner?
Consequently, an automatic belt tensioner is a relatively inexpensive part to replace. So, every time you replace a belt; be sure to replace the automatic belt tensioner at the same time. The automatic belt tensioner also provides a little “give”; so it can absorb and cushion shock loads.
Why is a worn serpentine belt tensioner bad?
A worn tensioner actually increases tension on the belt and that increased tension can damage the nose bearings on your AC compressor, power steering pump and alternator. Here’s why. Every time a cylinder fires it produces a power pulse that pulls the belt tighter.
When does a drive belt tensioner need to be replaced?
There aren’t a lot of warning signs that a drive belt tensioner has hit the end of its lifespan, in fact there is really only one. Once you start to hear a grinding or squeaking sound coming from your engine, it’s time to have the drive belt tensioner looked at.
How to tighten a loose alternator drive belt?
Tightening a Loose Belt 1 In order to tighten a loose belt, you should first measure how loose the belt is using your ruler. 2 Once you know roughly how loose the belt is, locate the drive belt tensioner. 3 Loosen the pivot bolt to allow for some movement, then insert the pry bar above the alternator pulley.
Why does my alternator make noise when I change the belt?
If you notice noise after changing your alternator belt, you need to assess your hydraulic belt tensioner (if your car uses this type of tensioner). This type of belt tensioner is common with Toyota Corolla and Toyota matrix. As the name indicates, it works with the help of a strong spring in it.