Alternator will not budge. (Edit: Easily solved)
08-14-2018, 03:16 AM
#1
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Alternator will not budge. (Edit: Easily solved)
Trying to change the serpentine belt on my 05 xB 5 speed, but no matter what I do (even very forceful pry bar) the alternator won't move in any direction. I losen the main bolt (take it off completely) from the bracket, but it just won't budge. Almost feels like it's welded in place.
With the bracket completely off it still will not move forward or backward. I'm tired of it squealing when I turn on the AC. Am I missing a step because I've read and watch several tutorials. This freaking alternator just won't move. Argh.
With the bracket completely off it still will not move forward or backward. I'm tired of it squealing when I turn on the AC. Am I missing a step because I've read and watch several tutorials. This freaking alternator just won't move. Argh.
Last edited by trian79; 08-14-2018 at 02:52 PM.
08-14-2018, 02:17 PM
#2
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Did you loosen the bolt on the bottom? Sounds like you've removed the bolt on top and the bolt holding the bracket but there is one underneath also and, without loosening that one, it'll never move.
Be careful where you pry also as a number of oil control valves have fallen victim to random prying in an attempt to tension the belts, which aren't serpentine but rather V-ribbed, hence the need to tension them manually.
Be careful where you pry also as a number of oil control valves have fallen victim to random prying in an attempt to tension the belts, which aren't serpentine but rather V-ribbed, hence the need to tension them manually.
08-14-2018, 02:49 PM
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Actually I did manage to fix the problem. I just had a very hard getting to that bolt but once I could it changed everything. I had to pretty much max out the tension on the belt / alternator but holy hell my belt squealing / engine bogging problem is GONE. Even a reputable car repair place near me couldn't fix the squealing. It was so freaking easy. Thanks for the reply and the help. I figured it all out pretty much after this thread was made but help is always so much appreciated.
Do you (IYO) think the tension being nearly maxed out will have any negative effects down the road? It was the only way to completely eliminate the chirping noises, occasional squealing (especially when wet outside) and engine bogging when the AC is on.
Do you (IYO) think the tension being nearly maxed out will have any negative effects down the road? It was the only way to completely eliminate the chirping noises, occasional squealing (especially when wet outside) and engine bogging when the AC is on.
Last edited by trian79; 08-15-2018 at 02:46 AM.
08-14-2018, 10:41 PM
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There's a spec for the tension on the belts and you can buy a tension gauge for V-belts (I have one from Gates)...I wouldn't crank it down too tight or it's going to put more of a load on the various bearings and that will only lead to issues down the road.
Did you replace the belts or just tighten them? If you had to crank them to get the squealing stopped I might invest in new belts as it'll be less expensive in the long run and now it seems you've got the belt thing pretty well figured out.
Did you replace the belts or just tighten them? If you had to crank them to get the squealing stopped I might invest in new belts as it'll be less expensive in the long run and now it seems you've got the belt thing pretty well figured out.
08-15-2018, 12:18 AM
#5
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There's a spec for the tension on the belts and you can buy a tension gauge for V-belts (I have one from Gates)...I wouldn't crank it down too tight or it's going to put more of a load on the various bearings and that will only lead to issues down the road.
Did you replace the belts or just tighten them? If you had to crank them to get the squealing stopped I might invest in new belts as it'll be less expensive in the long run and now it seems you've got the belt thing pretty well figured out.
Did you replace the belts or just tighten them? If you had to crank them to get the squealing stopped I might invest in new belts as it'll be less expensive in the long run and now it seems you've got the belt thing pretty well figured out.
Last edited by trian79; 08-15-2018 at 02:43 AM.
08-16-2018, 08:58 PM
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Actually I did manage to fix the problem. I just had a very hard getting to that bolt but once I could it changed everything. I had to pretty much max out the tension on the belt / alternator but holy hell my belt squealing / engine bogging problem is GONE. Even a reputable car repair place near me couldn't fix the squealing. It was so freaking easy. Thanks for the reply and the help. I figured it all out pretty much after this thread was made but help is always so much appreciated.
Do you (IYO) think the tension being nearly maxed out will have any negative effects down the road? It was the only way to completely eliminate the chirping noises, occasional squealing (especially when wet outside) and engine bogging when the AC is on.
Do you (IYO) think the tension being nearly maxed out will have any negative effects down the road? It was the only way to completely eliminate the chirping noises, occasional squealing (especially when wet outside) and engine bogging when the AC is on.
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