Do new alternator belts make noise?
As the serpentine belt’s primary aim is to transmit power from your engine pulley to other belt-driven components, if your belt goes bad or you replaced a low-quality belt that does not have enough strength to carry all the pulleys along, it produces a whirring or squealing noise.
Why does my brand new serpentine belt squeal?
If the tension is too low, the belt will wobble and won’t have enough friction to drive the pulleys it’s running on. If this is the case, the engine belt will slip on the pulley causing the annoying squealing noise you hate. In most newer cars, the engine belt tension is created by an auto belt tensioner.
Why would a new alternator not charge?
The most obvious reason why your battery won’t charge when your alternator is brand-new is that the problem is with the battery itself. If you’re not 100% sure, you can use a multimeter, or a voltmeter, to check the current coming from your battery.
What happens when the serpentine belt fails on an alternator?
The serpentine belt powers the alternator, and if it fails, the alternator will stop working the moment your belt wears out and breaks, or the pulley becomes damaged. This can also happen if the serpentine belt is not tightened correctly. Most cars have automatic tensioners, but these can fail, so it is better to double-check.
How does a new serpentine belt get installed?
It’s installed by removing the bolts on the alternator so it can be moved into and out of place. The alternator actually pivots around the lower bolt, so you can remove the belt. The other bolt will be in a slot not a round hole, and the position of the bolt in the slot adjusts the belt tension.
When is it time to replace your alternator?
Your car might die, but you may be able to restart it with a jump start. If you notice that your headlights dim or your battery won’t stay fully charged, it may be time to replace your alternator or other related parts. This might include replacing the voltage regulator if it is separate from the alternator.
What does an alternator do in an engine?
Simply put, an alternator is an electrical generator. When the engine is running, it spins the pulleys on the front of the engine, which are connected by a serpentine belt.