What happens when an alternator belt is too tight?
A. If the belts are too tight, they can put a strain on the shaft (and its bearing) of the alternator, power-steering pump and even the water pump. Most belts are installed on the tight side because they take an initial stretch. It looks like the power-steering fluid level is getting low.
What’s the best way to adjust an alternator belt?
Pull the alternator away from the engine until the belt is tight. You want to be able to press down on the belt at a mid point between two pulleys and only be able to move it downward about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. When you have the alternator in the right position, have an assistant tighten the top bolt and nut to lock the alternator in.
Where is the alternator located on a car?
Feel underneath the alternator to find the bolt that mounts the alternator to the frame. Make sure it is in place and that the rear nut is firmly attached. Loosen the nut on the top bolt of the alternator that passes through a “track” and allows you to position the alternator.
What’s the best way to lock in an alternator?
When you have the alternator in the right position, have an assistant tighten the top bolt and nut to lock the alternator in. If you are working alone, use a 2-by-4 piece and wedge it against the engine block, over the alternator body and under your arm, to pull and hold the alternator away from the engine.
How do you remove the alternator belt on a Miata?
Slide the Power steering unit away from the engine. It pivots down slightly and the belt slackens. Remove this belt now,as you can’t get the alternator belt off if the ribbed Power Steering belt is in place. To remove the alternator belt you first loosen the 12-mm alternator mounting bolt at the back of the alternator.
Why do I have to change fan belts on my Mazda Miata?
Mazda MX-5 1.6 Litre Changing the Fan Belts I had a very annoying squeaking sound, on cold starts only, thatcame from the alternator area. It went away after a few minutes. The cause was the frayed and cracked edges of the alternator belt as it passed over the alternator pulley. As I have power steering and air conditioning I have two belts.
How to replace, replace and tighten accessory belts?
Put the new belt on the alternator loop. First wrap it around the water pump pulley, then the engine pulley (the grove closest to the engine) and lastly around the alternator. As you tighten bolt 3, check the tension on the belt with yourcalibratedfinger. The belt need to be tightened so that 22 lbs causes 1/3 inch deflection.
Where does the tension come from on an alternator?
The second belt goes from the engine to the water pump pulley above then the alternator. The tension in this belt comes from the alternator compressor pulley. The tensioner (circled) needs to be adjusted to remove the belt. Again, three bolts are used to adjust this tensioner. Bolt 2 is access from under and behind the alternator.