How do you remove a serpentine belt from an alternator?
How to Loosen an Alternator Belt
- Open and secure your car’s hood.
- Locate the alternator.
- Look for the three bolts that secure the alternator.
- Loosen the front and rear bolts attached to the alternator and engine using a suitably sized wrench.
- Loosen the bolt attached to the adjustable bracket.
- Remove the wrenches.
Is it hard to change an alternator belt?
Replacing an alternator belt is fairly easy; all you need to get started are the right tools. As always, when starting on a project, it is always a good idea to practice precaution. Make sure that the key is out of the ignition and that the negative battery cable is disconnected before you start.
Can you drive with a bad alternator belt?
The short answer is yes, your car will start even if the serpentine belt is broken or missing. To get the car going, the battery sends power to your starter motor. However, you do need your serpentine belt if you want the car to run for longer than a few minutes.
Can you drive without an alternator belt?
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.
Where does the serpentine belt go on an alternator?
If you do not have a diagram on the vehicle or in your service manual laying out the direction your serpentine belt travels through the pulleys, take a picture of it with your phone to refer to when installing the new belt. A strictly alternator belt will likely only go around an alternator pulley and the crank pulley at the bottom of the engine.
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.
How can I tell if my car belt needs to be replaced?
If the belt appears dried out and cracks have formed, it will need to be replaced. Use a flashlight to get a good look at the belt in areas that aren’t as visible to look for signs of cracking elsewhere on the belt. Look for other signs of belt damage.