So my alternator belt made a horrible whining sound when any load was put on it, even at idle. So i decided it was time to replace that belt being as it was worn down a LOT. And i think i may not have tightened it enough because when i lay my foot down, for the first instant i hear that whining until the alternator catches up to how fast the belts are spinning, is it a problem with the pulley or should the belt be tighter or looser.


One more then, when i turn hard left, my power steering pump begins to violently shake and it scares me. Earlier the engine would turn over because the steering wheel was slightly turned to the left. Could that belt be on too tight or do I just need a new pump. Sorry for all the questions but I just dont want to go spending money I dont have to.

 

as for the alt. just change the belt and see if it helps.......

 

The alternator needs to be cranked down pretty good to tension the belt. Use a big prybar to pry on the alternator case while you tighten the lower bolt. You should have about 1/2" deflection in the belt.

Does your p/s work properly? I'm not a p/s expert, but it sounds like it may be restricted somewhere, causing a high pressure issue, which would make the pump a lot harder to turn.

 

i agree, i would check the hoses etc. and see if something is kinked or bound when you turn all the way to where you say it messes up.

also to starfury's comment on 1/2" deflection, that should be the total. so it should move up 1/4 and down 1/4