How do you remove the belt on an alternator?
Slacken the mounting bolts on the alternator to remove the belt. On refitting, move the alternator back to its previous position to take the slack from the belt. Manually check the tension using this method: applying firm thumb pressure there should be approx. 5 mm of free movement at the mid-point between the pulleys.
Do you need to change the pulley on an alternator?
Occasionally, however, an additional change of alternator belt tensioner and pulley makes sense, as the material costs are low compared to the labour costs. If the mechanic has already finished disassembling everything, the additional costs are low and you can save some money.
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.
When to know if your alternator belt is broken?
In order to avoid expensive and annoying subsequent damage, it is important to recognize signs / symptoms of a snapped alternator belt at an early stage It is possible that a snapped belt (especially if this happens while driving) remains unnoticed at first. The following symptoms indicate a broken alternator belt: 1.
What’s the best way to replace an alternator?
Ensure all the bolt and/or nut threads are started and tighten them evenly. On some vehicles, the electrical connections will need to be installed first before permanently tightening the alternator for access reasons. Place the drive belt in position and ‘rotate’ the belt tensioner so the belt can be installed.
How long does it take to replace an alternator belt?
The average alternator belt replacement time will take roughly between 30 – 60 minutes, provided that no further work is necessary. The alternator belt replacement is therefore surprisingly fast when compared to other car repairs.
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
What are the symptoms of a loose alternator belt?
Loose Alternator Belt Symptoms. As you continue to drive your vehicle, the alternator belt gets a little bit more worn each day. It could be susceptible to wear and tear damage or it may even come loose from the pulley. Once that happens, you can expect all kinds of symptoms to arise.