Alternator Belt Tension?
Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:28 pm
Hi Guys
I just changed the alternator on my 2001 S2, and am noticing a bit of a whine from the belt (I assume) at higher revs (>4000rpm), and can also hear the belt "spooling down" on shutting down the engine. This isn't the first alternator change I've done (although the first on an Elise), and have always tightened the belt so that I can only turn the belt 1/4 turn (if that makes sense...). My question is have I put too much tension on the belt? Or is this a belt "running in" noise, and I haven't been aware of it with previous cars where the alternator isn't directly behind my seat? Not keen to destroy the bearings in the alternator and have to do the job again. Wasn't nice... And actually, while I'm seeking advice, when I removed the old alternator I had a hell of a job getting the top bolt out - it was pretty badly corroded in place. I have been musing on whether that was why the alternator wasn't working - was the corrosion breaking the circuit maybe?
Thanks !!
I just changed the alternator on my 2001 S2, and am noticing a bit of a whine from the belt (I assume) at higher revs (>4000rpm), and can also hear the belt "spooling down" on shutting down the engine. This isn't the first alternator change I've done (although the first on an Elise), and have always tightened the belt so that I can only turn the belt 1/4 turn (if that makes sense...). My question is have I put too much tension on the belt? Or is this a belt "running in" noise, and I haven't been aware of it with previous cars where the alternator isn't directly behind my seat? Not keen to destroy the bearings in the alternator and have to do the job again. Wasn't nice... And actually, while I'm seeking advice, when I removed the old alternator I had a hell of a job getting the top bolt out - it was pretty badly corroded in place. I have been musing on whether that was why the alternator wasn't working - was the corrosion breaking the circuit maybe?
Thanks !!