Why does my alternator belt keep breaking?
95% of the time, frequent alternator or serpentine belt breakage is caused by either faulty pulley’s or misaligned or un-properly adjusted belts. Belts that are not properly adjusted to tightness can also explain the smoke issue.
What causes drive belt tensioner failure?
If the belt tension is too low, the belt will slip causing noise, extremely high temperatures and premature belt wear, all of which can lead to the poor functioning of the belt-driven accessories. If the tension is too high, this will cause excessive wear to the belt-driven accessories.
How long do alternator belts last?
3-4 years
Usually, you can expect your alternator belt to last 3-4 years. You should have it inspected regularly – a good rule of thumb is to have your mechanic check the alternator belt whenever you have an oil change. Signs that your alternator belt needs to be replaced include: Fraying, cracking or looseness.
Can I drive without alternator belt?
Once the car is running, the alternator supplies the power for these functions, AND recharges the battery. You can drive your car without either of those belts. However, you won’t get very far without the belt that turns your alternator.
What happens if a belt breaks while driving?
If a timing belt breaks, the engine will no longer work. If a timing belt breaks while driving in an interference engine, the camshaft stops turning leaving some of the engine valves in the open position. The heavier crankshaft will continue rotating by inertia, moving pistons up and down.
How do you know when a belt tensioner is bad?
1. Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or tensioner. The most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started.
How tight should alternator belts be?
Pass your alternator belt around the pulleys on the front of the engine block and the alternator itself. 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.
How often do alternator belts go bad?
Usually, you can expect your alternator belt to last 3-4 years. You should have it inspected regularly – a good rule of thumb is to have your mechanic check the alternator belt whenever you have an oil change. Signs that your alternator belt needs to be replaced include: Fraying, cracking or looseness.
How can you tell if your Subaru Forester has an alternator problem?
Being aware of the smells and sounds that your Forester makes is a great way to notice when something has gone wrong, and help you identify any potential alternator problems. Rubber Smell– If the serpentine belt that turns the alternator has gone bad, is out of adjustment, or has gone bad, it may not be able to turn freely anymore.
What are the signs of an alternator problem?
When it can’t turn freely it may produce a noticeable rubber smell. Sounds– You may hear the serpentine belt squeal when you start the engine. The alternator may have worn out bearings, which lead to grinding or a hum that almost sounds like nails on a chalkboard spinning.
What does the battery light mean on a Subaru Forester?
If your alternator is no longer capable of charging the battery, the battery light will come on. It’s a warning light that indicates that the voltage in the battery is not sufficient. The alternator may be charging still, but just not enough to cover the electrical needs of your Forester.