Can an alternator come loose?
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.
How do you tighten a serpentine belt on a car?
If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt. Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension.
How to know if your alternator is working properly?
1 Check the drive belt or serpentine belt. Look for signs of wear or damage like cuts, shiny spots or missing chunks under the belt. 2 Also, check the belt tensioner for proper operation and damage. It should rotate freely. 3 Make sure the alternator is properly mounted. 4 Check the alternator for noises. …
Do you need a GM alternator for a GM serpentine belt?
They are CS130 style with a 6.14-inch straight mounting pattern. While Powermaster offers great alternators, it’s nice to know that a factory GM unit can be installed if trouble arises when traveling. The alternator does not come with the alternator fan and pulley attached, so you will need to purchase those separately.
How often should a serpentine belt be replaced?
Most serpentine belts need to be replaced every 40,000 to 70,000 miles. If there are signs of the belt rubbing on something, make sure to identify and repair whatever it was rubbing on to avoid damaging the new belt.
If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt. Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension.
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 can I use to relieve tension on alternator belt?
Relieve tension on the belt with the auto-tensioner (if equipped). Some vehicles use the alternator itself to apply tension to the serpentine or accessory belt, but others use an auto tensioner pulley.
1 Check the drive belt or serpentine belt. Look for signs of wear or damage like cuts, shiny spots or missing chunks under the belt. 2 Also, check the belt tensioner for proper operation and damage. It should rotate freely. 3 Make sure the alternator is properly mounted. 4 Check the alternator for noises.