Adjusting alternator pulley?

[KKneipper]

The other day my Tranny Temp, Battery and Parking Brake dummy lights came on, and after some searching I found that it was most likely the alternator. Took it down to test it, and sure enough, then alternator was fried. So.......

I bought a refurbished alternator and installed it. I have adjusted the belt tension to Haynes' specs (1/2" deflection), and it is still squeaking. I'm thinking that the nut holding the pulley on could be too tight. Is there anyway I can adjust that nut just a hair?

I got the damn alternator from an AutoZone 40 miles away, because I am in a pinch and needed one today (otherwise I would have waited 3 days to get one shipped to a store close to me). I was also told by an AutoZone associate that they don't special order parts for their customers, and I really don't want to drive the 40 miles to have that store replace my alternator, if I don't have to.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[SpawnedX]

AutoZone does too special order parts.

Source: I was trained in Memphis, the companies corporate headquarters.

I doubt the nut holding the pulley on is the issue. Squeeling is usually the belt is too tight or worn out. Did you put a new belt on? Have you tried adjusting the tension off the t-bolt?

 

[KKneipper]

AutoZone does too special order parts.

Source: I was trained in Memphis, the companies corporate headquarters.

I doubt the nut holding the pulley on is the issue. Squeeling is usually the belt is too tight or worn out. Did you put a new belt on? Have you tried adjusting the tension off the t-bolt?

The guy I talked to yesterday at AutoZone said they couldn't special order parts that they don't normally stock. Asked another guy at the same store today and he said it was no problem. I'm guessing the guy I talked to yesterday just hates his job.

I put a new belt on when I did the alternator and it started squealing, so I adjusted it several times, and even put the old belt back on (which was still in pretty damn good shape). Still squealing. I got a can of belt conditioner and the squeal has gotten a little more quiet, but still there.

I feel like I just have an evening of adjustments ahead of me.

 

[SpawnedX]

Does the squeel go away after awhile or is it constant?

 

[NOSLO2PT0]

Don't put that belt conditioner shit on. Just makes the belt slick and masks the real problem. Usually when the belt squeals, it's too loose. Tighten it up a bit more. Keep tightening it until the squeal stops.

 

[KKneipper]

Don't put that belt conditioner shit on. Just makes the belt slick and masks the real problem. Usually when the belt squeals, it's too loose. Tighten it up a bit more. Keep tightening it until the squeal stops.

Just a couple of squirts of belt conditioner made it mostly better. Now it's squealing when I first pop it into gear, then it goes away until I pull up to a stop sign. It starts screaming at me when I'm stopped, then goes away once I start driving. It's really annoying, and I've made more adjustments than I could count.

Also, that belt conditioner made the belt sticky, not slick.

 

[SpawnedX]

Hmmm. Well your belt is either too tight or too loose.

 

[georgiaboy]

OP, was your belt squeeking prior to changing the alternator? Was the belt over-tightened initially (during the new alternator installation) by accident, then backed off? Did you have to re-use the alternator pulley (it isn't as dumb as it sounds; I have had to swap a few in my time because the new one didn't come with one)?

-Les

 

[LiquidX]

Belt is too loose. Tighten it down more so when you twist the belt it goes bends at around 45* angle. My squealed as well and when I turned the belt it was able to turn at a 90* (this is checked by holding both sides of the belt and rotating your hand either direction. TurboSAX2 showed me this trick.

+1 on the belt dressing, don't use it.

 

[psiaddict]

Most likely it is just an adjustment of the belt to get the correct tension, but if that is not working and you still have the squeaking….one other thing to think about is the possibility that there is some contaminant is on the belt, coolant, oil or PS fluid… maybe check around for a minor leak? Or did the belt get oil on it from handling it maybe? You might try pulling the belt off and spraying the belt and pullies with brake cleaner (or electrical parts cleaner since you are around the alternator) just make sure you let it dry before starting it up….

 

[KKneipper]

OP, was your belt squeeking prior to changing the alternator? Was the belt over-tightened initially (during the new alternator installation) by accident, then backed off? Did you have to re-use the alternator pulley (it isn't as dumb as it sounds; I have had to swap a few in my time because the new one didn't come with one)?

The belt wasn't squeaking before I changed the alternator, and yes, I over tightened it accidentally. When I changed the alternator, I changed the belt, and after adjusting it multiple times, I finally put my old belt back on. The alternator I bought came with a pulley, which is why I was asking if it was possible that the pulley was too tight.

UPDATE---------------------------------------------
After talking to a guy who actually knows some stuff about his job, I have learned that when they recondition these alternators in Mexico, they paint them, but don't clean the pulleys afterward. I took a closer look at my pulley and sure enough, there were little beads of paint all over the pulley wheel. Took some carb cleaner to it and the squeak is gone.

 

[georgiaboy]

Yes, that is why I was asking if you had changed the pulley or not; just to see how many things had actually changed. Making sure the fingers and grooves of the pulley are clean is a must. Someone also mentioned that you may have a leak elsewhere getting on the belt; great point, but I forgot to mention it.
I am glad you resolved your problem! Boost on, my friend!

-Les

 

[knochgoon24]

I was about to suggest sanding the pulley a little bit to get any crud off the new pulley. Had to do that to mine.

 

[KKneipper]

Someone also mentioned that you may have a leak elsewhere getting on the belt; Boost on, my friend!

-Les

No leaks getting on the belts. They have been clean since I got the car. I did notice though, that there was a couple beads of coolant hanging from the frame, right under the water pump. Since I been having problems with the car getting warm, but not overheating, then going down to normal range on the stock gauge... I may need to change my water pump soon... Good thing I only live a mile from work.