What happens if your alternator belt slips?
If your alternator belt gets too loose as you’re driving, it may cause your engine to stall. This means that you’re engine essentially shuts down and you’ll be forced to pull over onto the side of the road.
How do you tighten the belt on an alternator?
Loosen the nut and bolt, after which you will have to set the alternator against the belt. Now you need to tighten the slider bolt and the tensioner lock bolt. You even need to check the tension in the belt while tightening it. Tighten the bolt until there is about 1/2 inch of slack on the belt.
Where can I find a socket wrench to install an alternator?
For a DIY task, you will simply require a socket wrench set. Locate the alternator located under the hood and find how the setup is done. You would find a bolt that secures the alternator onto the frame of the assembly. Check, if it is secured enough and does not have slack. Also make a point to check other bolts that hold the alternator in place.
Why does my alternator belt not go down?
During the measurement of the belt slack, it the belt does not go down ½ inch, you will have to release tension off the tensioner bolt. A tighter belt can even be a result of the belt being smaller than what is required around the alternator.
Where is the alternator located on a car?
Locate the alternator located under the hood and find how the setup is done. You would find a bolt that secures the alternator onto the frame of the assembly. Check, if it is secured enough and does not have slack. Also make a point to check other bolts that hold the alternator in place. Would you like to write for us?
What to do if your alternator is not working?
If you smell something that is like an electrical fire, it could mean that the belt is slipping on the alternator pulley, resulting in poor alternator output. Often tightening the belt will fix the problem. Have your alternator checked by a professional if the smell and alternator output are not fixed when you tighten the belt.
What’s the best way to tighten an alternator?
Use a socket wrench and leave it on the adjusting arm bolt (or nut) if you can, and set the socket for clockwise, in order to quickly re-tighten. Use a large straight screwdriver, pry bar, or other appropriate tool to tension the alternator against the belt. If you can, use a strong strip of wood or hammer handle if it will fit.
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.
What happens if the alternator belt is too loose?
If the belt is too loose, it will continue to squeal and cause overheating. If it’s too tight, it could damage bearings in the alternator and/ or water pump. While the alternator tension is loose, you can remove the belt from the alternator wheel to check for bad bearings if you think this is an issue.