Except the alternator belt is frayed. Just on one edge. I assume that means pulleys are out of alignment. I'm about to give up on this project!Originally Posted by Flecker
Except the alternator belt is frayed. Just on one edge. I assume that means pulleys are out of alignment. I'm about to give up on this project!
Looking back over the photos earlier in this thread, it appears that the bolt I loosened today -- which was already loose (seems like that would be a problem in itself) -- is the wrong one. It's on the front of a small pulley in front of the alternator and not where the red-highlighted bolt is in the pics. I probably ought to have re-checked the photos first. But I *was* able to turn the wing nut (holding one of the wings with vice grips, which I probably would not have needed if I had first loosened the correct bolt). The bolt on the front of the small pulley won't tighten up, it just spins and spins.
If there are misaligned pulleys, I assume that is the cause of the alternator belt fraying only on one edge (the front). I don't know if the belt is in danger of busting or something due one edge being frayed. The rubber seems to be in good shape it's just the cloth backing that's a bit ragged looking. And, not knowing which pulleys need to be aligned, nor how to align them, apparently I am doomed to a few days of hunting for these details in previous topics. Hope the weather stays reasonable until I find the right info!
Could I have opinions from some of you experienced folk on this one question: With an alternator belt that is just a bit frayed on one edge (the backing only, not the rubber), is the vehicle good to drive without much risk of the belt going bad all of a sudden? I mean, for all I know, once a belt starts to fray, it's going to be useless in very short order. Or it could last for thousands of miles. I did tighten it and stopped the squealing. If I thought I could get it changed in one day, I would do it, but with the possibility of pulleys being out of alignment (as a cause of the fraying on one edge only) and not having a clue as to how to remedy that situation, it could end up taking me a lot longer, and it wouldn't make sense to replace the belt without fixing the cause of the uneven wear at the same time. Right?
ETA: I just learned from talking to an auto parts guy that the alternator bolt being stripped ciould be the cause of the fraying and that it would need to have a "helicoil" procedure done. Also that I should look for burrs on the pulley. Assuming this to be good info. Do y'all agree?
Last edited by Suzu; 11-20-2019 at 11:31 AM.
I would at the very least keep an extra belt on hand... If there's a belt that is going to leave you stranded, that's the one. Takes out the cooling system AND the electrical integrity of the van.
Personally, I would just change it and be done. My spidey sense tells me your not going to be able to swap it out without help of some sort...
It's time to collect all your cans and bottles and take it to a shop.
Hey thanks Dude! While you were posting the above, I was editing my last post. Check the last part of it and lemme know what ya think?
Well... that pulley bolt being stripped is a problem. And a helicoil is going to be beyond your skill set in my opinion. gonna require some precise drilling, tapping/ threading and a removal of the alternator.
As for the pulley itself, my recommend is to replace it If it's all burred up.
Time to just realize your in a pickle and maybe a bit over your head with this repair.
Do you happen to know the correct part number for the alt. belt? Or at least whether or not it's a "serpentine" belt?
And if it's a pulley needing to be replaced, which pulley?
Last edited by Suzu; 11-20-2019 at 12:10 PM.
Serpentine belt <-------------
I just talked to the parts store again and they say they can't get the pulley. (I still don't know which pulley it would be. Or more than one?) So if there's a burr, or some burrs, can't they just be filed away? I don't hear any rattling when the engine runs. Doesn't that mean it's not a bearing in a pulley?
That's the one. I can't get a pulley, apparently.
ugh... first off the alternator pulley is held on by a NUT, not a BOLT.
I have no idea how it would get stripped. That's pretty tough to do without some chain vice grips and a big ass breaker bar.
Second, your in way over your skill set here... your going to make it worse, because you don't know what your doing.
Third, by the time you just take it to a mechanic and be done with it... you'll prolly be money up.
Fourth, youv'e been given all the information in the world on this matter. You just aren't going to get it without someone standing by your side to explain it as they go and you watching them do it. Maybe the mechanic you take it to will show some mercy and walk you back in the shop for a tutorial...
Good luck lady.
Whatever.
What's tough to do?I have no idea how it would get stripped. That's pretty tough to do without some chain vice grips and a big ass breaker bar.
Suzu - Its truly not clear what you are trying to say and lacking proper terminology isn't helping.
I cannot tell what is stripped, if you undid the pinch bolt before turning the wing nut, what pulley you are talking about (power steering idler?)
1) Do you have a manual?
If you are adamant about doing your own repairs, you will need it, it will explain SO much.
2) Do you have a camera?
Seeing exactly what "you" are looking at may clarify matters significantly, words can only do so much.
For example, the belt in question, your idea of frayed might be completely different from mine, but a picture would eliminate all the guessing
I have a manual but it seems to assume a lot of pre-existing knowledge. I look for how to do X and find that it says "do Y and Z first" while saying zilch about how Y and/or Z are done.
I do have a camera and will take a pic of the alt. belt in a bit and post it.
Apparently I confused the "pinch bolt" with the one on the front of a small pulley that's right in front of the alternator. Nevertheless I was still able to tighten the wing nut (with some difficulty). Then when I went to re-tighten the bolt (or nut or whatever) that I had loosened just prior to moving the wing nut, it would not tighten back up. In fact I had found it already somewhat loose when I went to loosen it. I mentioned this to an auto parts guy, who told me that the apparently stripped bolt could be the cause of the belt fraying.
Does that help. Burntboot?
The nut that you loosened sounds like its for the power steering pump idler pulley.
It has nothing to do with the alternator.
For now, lets consider that a separate issue
Manuals are designed to be used by mechanics, so there is a certain "expectation of competency".
Whatever it is, the alternator belt wraps around it, so I would say that it has something to do with the alternator. If I am wrong, I'm glad to hear about it.
A picture would REALLY help here...
Yeah... I really don't feel like going out in the cold rain and wind to snap the pic right now. I will do it a.s.a.p. though.
I went out and took five pics of it from different angles. When I went to upload the pics from the camera, they had not been saved. I'll try again.
Last edited by Suzu; 11-21-2019 at 12:42 PM.
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