Alternator Belt/Pulleys

[bjw24]

My alternator belt broke because one of the pulleys is loose...I see that there are 2 pulleys on top and one underneath it and the one on the bottom is loose possibly broken... anyone know what this pulley is called? Underdrive pulley? I'm clueless :/

 

[Cs4g63]

If its the pulley all the way at the bottom of the engine it is the crank pulley and those breaking is a common problem. Its not something that happens frequently. Its an item that goes out after a long period of time, and since all of these cars are getting up there in age it is becoming more common.

http://www.slowboyracing.com/more.php?id=5810&

 

[bjw24]

well it's the one that the belt running the alternator is on theres 3 pulleys its the 3rd one 2 on top and one right underneath not the timing belt.. still the crank pulley?

 

[Locke]

The alternator belt (IIRC) will go from the crank pulley (at the very bottom of the motor, behind the tire) to the water pump pulley (above and a bit to the left of the crank pulley) to the alternator. (under the PS pump, to the left of the crank and water pump pulleys.)

Whichever it is, you should repair it quickly.

 

[bjw24]

any write-ups on how to install the pulley and belt?

 

[Locke]

The crank pulley is held on with some screws, and it comes right off. (You will probably have to tap on it a bit) The water pump's pulley is also held on with a few screws, but if the water pump pulley wobbles (assuming all it's screws are in place) then the water pump's bearings are shot and you would need a new pump.

For the belt, you swing the alternator forward, or back to tension, or relieve tension.

It is all very simple to figure out one you get to looking at it. (unless you need a new water pump, that would be a nightmare for the novice mechanic)

 

[bjw24]

I can't get the 4 bolts out holding it in... the damn thing spins until it gets to a point where it feels like im going to spin it and break it..

 

[bjw24]

is there a special tool to take the pulley off or do the bolts spin clockwise to come out? ugh I'm having a hell of a time

 

[Raph]

is there a special tool to take the pulley off or do the bolts spin clockwise to come out? ugh I'm having a hell of a time

a) have a friend get in, put the car in 4th gear and he has to keep his foot on the brake and OFF of the cluth while you undo the screws..

b)put car in forth and put blocks infront of the wheels so it cant move

c) use super fast ninja skills and crack those bolts loose so fast that the crank doesnt spin. ..

 

[sd_ff22]

I don't mean to thread jack but, I got up this morning and went to start the car (99 GSX)
and heard a loud clunk. got out and popped the hood and saw that my alternator belt had just come off the pulley. it was stuck against the wall and the pullies on the right. whats wierd is that I drove 200 miles to and from MOD just saturday, didn't drive the car on sunday and then this happens monday. no squeaking or strange noise.
I keep very good care of my car and it had no syptoms of a problem.

my question is... does this often happen? did my alternator work itself loose somehow?

 

[bjw24]

apparently the pullies just break? That's what mine did too, I just started it and it made a horrible clunking noise and the pulley was all the way to the right if you look at it you can see it literally snapped

 

[sd_ff22]

Yep it spontainiously exploded!

Not one store I called has them in stock, nor do they carry them!

 

[bjw24]

just order one online... its called a crank pulley or underdrive pulley... probably gonna want the one with the harmonic balancer because apparently it stops vibration going to the crank and causes less stress on the crank..