kput

So I recently replaced my alternator, and now the belt is squeaking. I'm fairly certain it's not the alternator pulley, as when I put tension on the belt while running the squeaking stops. I've tightened the tensioner thing as much as I possibly can with no luck..(the tensioner being the pulley directly under the alternator). Any suggestions on how to get it even tighter?

Again, the belt stops squeaking when I put more pressure with a wrench or something on the belt..and the belt looks in great condition and didn't squeak before the alternator.

2005Redfire6

Put some belt dressing on there, and the tensioner is self tensioning. Don't tighten that tensioner too much... the bolt that is.

kput

I don't get how it's self tensioning..it's just a pulley on an arm. I've noticed no spring pull or anything..just a flat metal piece that goes on another flat metal piece and a bolt that holds it together.

I have a buddy looking at it today, I'll try the belt dressing after I seenhom

2005Redfire6

The mechanism is enclosed in the arm itself where it attaches to the block hence when you pull on the arm or move it it will spring back keeping the tension on the belt. My jackass friend about 4-5 years ago tightened the hell out of mine on my motor and it ended up cocking sideways a little and wouldn't keep a belt on there, completely ruined it.

RetiredSFC 97

It doesn't matter how good the belt looks. If it's squealing, then it's worn. Rule of thumb.

ANYTIME, you remove a belt, replace it. They are cheap and will save yourself headaches later down the road. (unless of course you just changed it yesterday)

Also, get a gatorback belt. You'll be glad you did because as pulleys and belts wear the grooves where the belt glides through become worn and burnt(for a lack of a better way of saying it) and they don't fit like they did when they were new. The gatorback belt has a different pattern and gets rid of this problem.