Can a serpentine belt be used for an alternator?
If your vehicle has an alternator belt instead of a serpentine belt, this is the method you will need to use. Be careful not to damage the wiring going into the alternator. The alternator provides the power the engine needs to run through those wires. Slide the belt off of the pulleys and remove it from the car.
How do you tighten the belt on an alternator?
Tighten the alternator bolts. With the serpentine or alternator belt safely seated on the alternator pulley, use the same wrench you used to loosen to the bolts to tighten them again. As you tighten the bolts, the alternator will stop tipping forward, which will increase the tension on the belt.
Can a car have more than one alternator belt?
In older model vehicles, engines often came equipped with multiple belts that each powered a different accessory. However, most modern vehicles use only one belt to power the alternator as well as the power steering, air conditioning, and any other accessories.
Why is my alternator belt still squealing after replacing?
For instance, the alternator works optimally with the serpentine belt connecting it to the engine pulley, enabling the alternator to turn together with other belt-driven components in your car. Belt or pulley misalignment is a common issue that causes changed serpentine belt still squealing.
Is the alternator belt called the serpentine belt?
The alternator belt can also be referred to as the serpentine belt or the drive belt. It shouldn’t, however, be confused with the timing belt.
Can a loose alternator belt be replaced easily?
A damaged alternator belt can be replaced fairly easily. You will need most of the same tools that you use in tightening a loose belt and the process involves completely unscrewing the pivot bolt so you can remove and replace the belt. A detailed guide for this replacement process can be found here.
What happens if the serpentine belt is not working?
It provides power for the air conditioning, alternator, power steering, and sometimes the cooling system water pump. The serpentine belt is a critical part of this system, and once the engine is running, it continues to operate until the vehicle is shut off. Without a properly functioning serpentine belt, the engine may not run at all.
Is the timing belt connected to the alternator?
It shouldn’t, however, be confused with the timing belt. The alternator belt connects your alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump to your battery; it transports energy from the engine towards the alternator, which in turn powers the battery.
How do you tighten a serpentine belt on 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. Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension.
When do you need to replace the alternator belt?
Regardless of which design your vehicle uses, you will likely have to replace the belt that powers your alternator at some point in the lifetime of your vehicle. You can replace these belts yourself using common hand tools. Locate the alternator or serpentine belt.
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.
When should you replace the serpentine belt?
Most serpentine belts need to be replaced every 40,000 to 70,000 miles. If there are signs of the belt rubbing on something, make sure to identify and repair whatever it was rubbing on to avoid damaging the new belt.
What are the symptoms of a bad serpentine belt?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Serpentine/ Drive Belt . Common signs include a squealing noise from the front of the vehicle, power steering and AC not working, engine overheating, and cracks on the belt.
What is the average life span of a serpentine belt?
The lifespan of the serpentine belt will depend mostly on the type of material it’s made of. Older style belts generally last about 50,000 miles, while those made from EPDM can last up to 100,000 miles.
Why is my alternator squealing?
Alternators don’t squeal. They can hum, but a squeal is caused by a slipping belt. A “hum” can be caused by a bad alternator bearing or burnt diodes.