Jim* Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 So my auxiliary belt has started screaming out of nowhere started yesterday night and went for around 30 seconds and now today I left work and it went for around a minute and then a few times would start again on the way home for around 10 seconds each time! VERY VERY annoying and extremely embarrassing! should I just buy a new belt or get it tightened? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
daniel_g Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Is it defo the belt ? I had this noise today when i was checking the car over again and i found it to be the alternator itself making the noise. Just replace the belt, chances are its been on for a long while anyway. Plus i think theyre about 7 quid. Peace of mind incase it snaps on you as it also runs the waterpump. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jim* Posted May 21, 2013 Author Share Posted May 21, 2013 I presume it's the belt although it dosent feel like it's sagging or anything? How hard are they to change? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
daniel_g Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 You can check the belt tension by turning/twisting the belt to the side, should go to around 90* Changing it is a piece of piss mate, disconnect the negative battery cable, loosen the long alternator bolt (possibly a bracket to) and pull the alternator torwards you, might need to use a lever/pry bar/ long screwdriver of some sort incase the alternator is wedged in. Then slip the belt off and repeat in reverse order. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ryan lang Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 There's a bolt through a bracket on the bottom of the alternator that needs loosening to allow movement, then there's another 2 on the top, one that goes through the bracket on top and you might have to slacken the other to get a little extra play room.Also check the power steering belt too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jim* Posted May 22, 2013 Author Share Posted May 22, 2013 okay I have checked the belt and there is only 90 degrees movement, does this mean my alternator has packed up? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
daniel_g Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 90* movement means the tension is ok. Let the car idle and spray loads of wd40 around the area. Increase the revs with the throttle body when youre doing this to. The try it with the alternator under load, ie, lights on full beam etc. Check for squealing then. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jim* Posted May 22, 2013 Author Share Posted May 22, 2013 Sorry do you mean spray the belt or the alternator? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
daniel_g Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Just rev the car with the throttle body pully, listen for the noise. Then go turn the lights etc on and do the same. If it squeals only when the lights are on then its most likely the alternator at fault. Spraying wd40 just makes a mess actually, i only done it with mine because i was trying to lube the belt to see if the noise went away. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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