Re: Alternator squeal..and the V belt isn't too tight

[Shawn C Meze <skerocdriver@juno.com>]

On Wed, 03 Feb 1999 09:15:08 -0500 "Victor Farren"
<vfarren@smtp.cdie.org> writes:
>Like the title says, my alternator is squeeling.  When I first 
>replaced the my V belt a couple of months ago I think I put the belt 
>on too tight, which caused the alternator to squeal, but I have since 
>remedied the problem.  


Kinda backwards from how they usually squeal. If your making it squeal by
over tightening the belt, your doing something very bad to the alt
bearings. 


>The problem is that the laternator won't stop squeeling.  Is it due to 
>the cold weather?  Did I do something irreperable to the alternator 
>and the squeeling is announcing its impending doom?  Or could it just 
>be a matter of greasing the bearings?  I am thinking about doing that 
>and seeing if it takes care of the problem.
>
>Any insight?


Victor, Victor, Victor. 
Sigh.
Well, you didn't say so but please allow me to use my incredible psychic
ability and remote view the event as it happened in time..... .. . .  

I see that you installed the belt just like Dr. Bentley says to install
it, good job! But, oh look, when you started it it made some sound so you
first said, "Gee darn" and then thought that the belt just wasn't tight
enough. So with your trusty 13mm wrench, wait, no that's a 1/2" SHAME on
you! Well you tightened the belt and it still made a little sound but you
decided you could live with that, right? Or am I watching the wrong guy? 

OK, so the real deal here is more than likely the bearings (There are 2
of them, ball bearing type with no grease.) got damaged by heat or an
over tightened belt or simply age. Regardless, the bearings are flat
spotted and squeal. Fairly common. with aged or abused alternators.
Whatever you do, don't use a liquid penetrant on the bearing. That will
ensure they seize up  on you. Im afraid the only repair is to have the
alternator rebuilt (Just tell them to replace the bearings, should cost
less than a complete rebuild OR buy a new one from your local parts
store. Shop around, some of them are offering lifetime warranties on
ridiculous stuff so it makes it worth it to buy it from the lame parts
stores. 
HTH!

BTW* How's your water pump? <aack!>


              Shawn Meze
86' Jetta GLi           82' Scirocco GTi
The Fastest, Quickest, Cleanest and
best looking Scirocco in all of San Diego!
http://www.Geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/1308/index.htm

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