How does the rotor of an alternator work?

Alternator Housing. Stator Assembly. A number of steel stampings are riveted together to form its frame. Rotor Assembly. Each brush is connected into the circuit by a flexible copper lead wire. Rectifier Assembly. The pulley drives the rotor through an engine accessory drive belt.

What kind of belt does an alternator use?

Most modern vehicles use only one belt to drive all the accessory pulleys. This is a wide belt that is flat on one side and has small “V” shaped ribs on the other side. Both the flat (smooth) side of the belt and the ribbed side can be used to drive pulleys.

Why do you need an alternator pulley in a car?

The reduction of the mechanical load (drag) on the entire belt system which reduces the vibration in the belt drive system and decreases belt tensioner motion. That it increases the expected life span of ALL the components driven by the belt due to the positive effects of reason #1. Incresed fuel economy due to the positive effects of reason #1.

What happens to the alternator when the car dies?

If the car dies shortly thereafter, then the alternator is the likely culprit. If the car continues to run, then it’s probably the battery that needs a charge.

What is the function of an alternator pulley?

Pulleys are simply a means of transferring power. In the automotive pulley and belt system the power generated by the engine is transferred from the engine crankshaft pulley to the belt and then from the belt to the pulleys attached to various accessories such as the Alternator, Power Steering Pump,…

Where are the slip rings on an alternator?

The brush-regulator assembly bolts to the rear of the alternator housing. B—With the brush-regulator assembly removed, you can see the slip rings on the rotor assembly. The brushes slide on the slip rings to make a rotating electrical connection with the rotor windings. Small brush springs push the brushes out and into contact with the slip rings.