Aternator replacement
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Whispering Pines, NC
Aternator replacement
How do I guage the belt tightness once I replace the alternator? The alternator is good but the pully bearings are squeeking, do I need to replace the alternator or is there a way to grease the pully. I have an 83 f150 4X4 5.8
Last edited by midsouth; Jan 15, 2012 at 02:41 PM. Reason: Left out information
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From: Virginia
Put a little bit of brake fluid on a rag and wipe it on the belt(engine off). If it stops squeaking, it's the belt and I would buy a new one. It needs to be pretty tight, or it will squeal after cranking it up, especially in the morning if you have to crank it a lot.
If you are in the middle of something bigger(like not starting problems) you may have other problems that can cause the belt to squeal(like a bad battery).
If you are in the middle of something bigger(like not starting problems) you may have other problems that can cause the belt to squeal(like a bad battery).
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
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IIRC, to measure how good it's tightened, you measure by belt deflection. Hold a ruler next to the belt, and while keeping the ruler perfectly still, press on the belt and you should have less than or at 1/4'' deflection, or movement. You got to measure around the middle between two pulleys. If it's more than 1/4'', or you think it's too loose just by feel, tighten 'er up.
I'm not really sure if there's anyway to grease the pulley to get it quiet. If you can, pull the pulley, and make sure any grease that you might put in won't get onto any electrical components. If all looks good, I'd put a MINIMAL amount of grease on the bearing and reinstall the pulleys and belts.
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I have always used around 1/2" deflection at the longest point between two pulleys, I would rather not put excess pressure & wear on the water pump/accessory bearings.
Tighten if the belts squeal (especially when wet).
Tighten if the belts squeal (especially when wet).
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,956
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From: Cornfield in Nebr.
my brother has a alt.& starter shop and you push on the alt. fan w/your thumb and it will let you know if its tight enough or not, pratice makes perfect,thats our way of doing it,lol,w/engine off
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