How can I loosen the tension on my alternator?
While holding the tool in place with the tension relieved, slip the belt off the most accessible pulley that you can reach. Loosen the two (or three) bolts on the alternator, on older vehicles that do not have an automatic belt tensioner.
Is it easy to remove an alternator from an engine?
Since the typical alternator is bolted directly to the outside of the engine block, removing and replacing one is relatively simple in terms of labor. If your engine is equipped with a serpentine accessory belt, you’ll just need to release the pressure on the belt tensioner and then remove the belt.
How does an alternator mount on an engine?
On older motors with individual accessory belts, the alternator mounting bracket is designed to allow the alternator to slide away from the belt to release tension after anchoring bolts are loosened. Shown here is an older engine with an alternator that can be loosened and slid within its bracket in order to adjust belt tension.
Do you need to remove serpentine belt to change alternator?
As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged.
Can a manual tensioner be used to replace an alternator?
The belt tensioner will only travel (swing) so far which can make installing the belt difficult. Never pry or force the belt onto the pulley. Vehicles with a manual tensioner or the belt tightens with the alternator, there should about ½ inch of deflection in the belt between the pulleys with the greatest distance between them. 7
Since the typical alternator is bolted directly to the outside of the engine block, removing and replacing one is relatively simple in terms of labor. If your engine is equipped with a serpentine accessory belt, you’ll just need to release the pressure on the belt tensioner and then remove the belt.
What should be the deflection between the drive belt and alternator?
Vehicles with a manual tensioner or the belt tightens with the alternator, there should about ½ inch of deflection in the belt between the pulleys with the greatest distance between them. Once the alternator, drive belt, and electrical connections are reinstalled, scan the work area and make sure nothing has been overlooked.
As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged.