Question about alternator and belt

[talontsiboy24]

I just installed a new alternator and belt about 1 month ago and i noticed on cold startup the lower part of the belt looks like its vibrating/flapping but once the car is warmed up it stops and runs smoothly what can it be? The belt seems to be on there pretty tight though. Also is it normal for the belt to make a lil noise on cold startup in winter time when temps are under 20f? Will it be possible oil is leaking onto the belt somehow?

 

[gofer]

I'd completely remove tension off the belt and reinstall it and tighten it and see if the squeal goes away. Its possible the alternator just squeaks, thats something that sucks about the rebuilds from car parts stores. I had 2 in a row that squeaked on cold starts, and cold out here is 45*, and it was never the tension on the belt. One day I got so fed up with the squeak I put as much tension on the belt as I could and it snapped at about 4k driving down the road... good thing I was close to home!

 

[talontsiboy24]

I'd completely remove tension off the belt and reinstall it and tighten it and see if the squeal goes away. Its possible the alternator just squeaks, thats something that sucks about the rebuilds from car parts stores. I had 2 in a row that squeaked on cold starts, and cold out here is 45*, and it was never the tension on the belt. One day I got so fed up with the squeak I put as much tension on the belt as I could and it snapped at about 4k driving down the road... good thing I was close to home!

I even sprayed the pulleys with prestone belt dressing but nothing changed. Could it be the alternator, putting strain on the belt, (and there is considerable strain), while it re-charging the battery, for the power used to start the vehicle?

 

[gofer]

If its a rebuilt alternator its probably just the alternator pulley itself squeaking and not the belt, then after the alternator warms up the squeak disappears.

 

[LiquidX]

Redo the belt install and check belt tension. Should be able to to rotate the belt to 45* max or so. Also stay away from belt dressing as it will not solve any issues you have and can eventually do more harm than good.

 

[talontsiboy24]

If its a rebuilt alternator its probably just the alternator pulley itself squeaking and not the belt, then after the alternator warms up the squeak disappears.

yea its a duralast alternator from autozone.

 

[LiquidX]

Have fun with that alternator, it's hit or miss. I went through 3 in a single week due to failures and one I went to buy tested bad right off the shelf.

 

[talontsiboy24]

Have fun with that alternator, it's hit or miss. I went through 3 in a single week due to failures and one I went to buy tested bad right off the shelf.

So where do u buy yours from and you telling me that gives me no hope

Redo the belt install and check belt tension. Should be able to to rotate the belt to 45* max or so. Also stay away from belt dressing as it will not solve any issues you have and can eventually do more harm than good.

But since the belt smoothes out after a few minutes should it be fine?

The flapping and vibration in the belt goes away though after the car starts to warm up and when i drive it theres no noise either i think its probably the freezing cold cause the belt is on there pretty tight i dont wanna go anymore and snap it.

 

[talontsiboy24]

If its a rebuilt alternator its probably just the alternator pulley itself squeaking and not the belt, then after the alternator warms up the squeak disappears.

Will it be possible oil is leaking onto the belt somehow?

 

[gofer]

Power steering fluid could be leaking onto it but thats about it, power steering fluid will kill an alternator quick too.

 

[Benshooter]

If it turns out to be a belt noise and not the alternator try sanding the pulley grooves with some 1000 grit sandpaper. I'm sure some of you may think I'm crazy but I tried 3 different belt brands, and played with the tension endlessly. Nothing ever worked. I sanded/scoured my pulley grooves and it dissapeared for good. Try at your own risk.

 

[Benshooter]

Have fun with that alternator, it's hit or miss. I went through 3 in a single week due to failures and one I went to buy tested bad right off the shelf.

Meee toooo! After they gave me a fourth one they told me that the next time I would be getting my money back instead of another alternator.

 

[talontsiboy24]

I retightened it and the flapping and noise is gone so i guess it just got loose or stretched over time.