Alternator Pulley / Pulley Belt Squeeeeeeeaaaallll

[onosqv]

Hi all, - car: 89 240sx automatic Ok, I've finally narrowed down the source of the squealing from my engine bay, it seems to be from the alternator/pulley itself, not so much the belt. The reason I believe this is I removed the belt (something I have a question bout also) and turn the alternator pulley and it made a slight squeaky noise. This noise is much worse once the engine starts and at low rpms (will stay at high rpms also sometimes).

My 1st question: How do I change the alternator pulley? Is it hard/advisable to change the alternator itself (it has been about 16 years )? It took me a whole day to do my starter, so any guidance will be helpful.

Also: How are you suppose to take off/put on the belt for the alternator/water pump pulley? I tried loosening the bolts above the alternator pulley (2 that look like similar to the tension bolts on the PS pulley) but the alternator wouldn't budge. I also saw a 12/14 mm bolt at the bottom of the alternator below the pulley but afraid of breaking it. The alternator and pulley are not budging. Currently I'm running a slightly larger belt (360) instead of the belt I'm suppose to be using (355) bcs I am running an underdrive pulley and that was the only way I can get it on for now.

Please help, I can't STANDDDD this SQUEALINGGGG!

Thanks!

[bangstanger]

ok well start by loosening the bolts for the alt...there is the one at the bottom and another at the top/side then you should also see the long one like you mentioned...that will spin the alt closer to the block and in turn release the tension on the belt I believe also its just like the p/s..but I am not positive. wish I had a pic to describe it...but you do have loosen the one on the bottom to allow the alt to pivot on it... there may also be one on the back if it doesnt move once you loosen the bottom one... if you need I can check later...mine is 91 though...should be similiar

as for the pully .. I dont remember the size..but there is a bolt in the middle and if you are lucky..(I wasnt) then it should pop off if not you will have to pull it off with a puller.. if you have an aftermarket stereo or amps or are running a lot of power I would say go ahead if you can afford it and replace...otherwise use it till it dies...and hope you arent stuck on the highway somewhere...

[S13 Charlie]

Bangstanger is mentioning the correct bolts..

I just replaced my alternator belt a few weeks ago cause it broke on me. (It was also squealing like a bastard) When I took a look at the remains of the belt, it was chewed to hell, just old and worn out I guess. Anyway, I only loosened the tension adjustment bolt, and then the larger bolt at the bottom of the alternator that is hard as hell to get to.. The alt. didn't swing so freely, so we just took a socket extension and a hammer and "tapped" on it until it moved enough to get the belt back on. Once I knew what to do, it didn't take me all that long.

good luck,

C

[onosqv]

Thank you both. Yea, I finally "figured it out" today. That bottom bolt is a *****. However, it wasn't as hard for me now that I have an electrical fan in there :-D.

It was just that rectangular bracket in the back that was giving me a mildly hard time. Once I got all the bolts you two are mentioning, it started sliding little by little like it should. Just changed the belt to the 355 (had 360 on there before) as recommended by unorthodox. Hasn't been squeaking yet, nice to have a smooth non squeaky ride, hehe.

I'm just happy the pulley bearings weren't the source of the noise, whew.

[bangstanger]

Glad to hear it. .. and glad we could help ya.

[navysnail]

make sure you watch out for things like oil or any fluids getting on the belts, as that will make them squeal. if it does, some brake (not carb) cleaner is the thing to use to clean them up