CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: 1stgen68 on June 25, 2019, 05:11:55 PM

Title: Alternator noise
Post by: 1stgen68 on June 25, 2019, 05:11:55 PM
Need help with alternator loud a$$ noise after changing the alternator top bracket to clean off some surface rust. After i took it off and placed it back in its spot all hell broke loose.
Looks like it's not engaging until after about 5 seconds of running and makes the most god aweful screetch. Please tell me what i did wrong with putting it back on or how it needs to be adjusted.
I can't attach .mov files or else i would.
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: Mike S on June 25, 2019, 05:40:34 PM
Are you certain that the belt is not too tight thereby causing the front bearing to make noise?
 You can use a long screwdriver and hold it on a suspected area and listen to the handle....or....safer yet buy one of these Dr. Kildare type of scopes:
https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=mechanics%20stethoscope

 I own that and swear by it, plus is it s hell of a lot safer to isolate mechanical noise.

Mike
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: 1stgen68 on June 25, 2019, 05:52:11 PM
I unloosened the bolt holding the alternator on to tighten the belt. Fired it back up and the loud screetch is gone but still squeeking from the belt and shut it back down. Is the belt supposed to be tight or loose?
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: 1stgen68 on June 25, 2019, 05:53:20 PM
also now the fan blades on the alternator aren't turning at all
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: L78racer on June 25, 2019, 06:30:58 PM
alt. pulley nut loose?
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: 1stgen68 on June 25, 2019, 06:42:15 PM
I was able to adjust the top alt bracket and stop the crazy screetch but now sounds like the surp belt is loose type of sound. Not sure if it's the alt belt or surp belt. None of this happened until i had a bright idea to remove the top chrome bracket to clean off some surface rust today.
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: 1stgen68 on June 25, 2019, 06:45:06 PM
also still the alt blades aren't spinning and i think they should be right? To stop the screetch, i loosened the bolt that hold the alt in place and lowered it just a little and then re-tightened it. Fired it up and sounds now like the alt belt or surp belt is loose.
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: 1stgen68 on June 25, 2019, 07:11:13 PM
i validated that the atl pulley is not loose.
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: Mike S on June 25, 2019, 08:01:11 PM
What year car? It has a serpentine belt? I adjust my belt just enough where if I place a straightedge between the water pump and alternator pulley and press down in the middle of the belt, I should see about a 1/2"-3/4" deflection.

Mike
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: WorkinProgress on June 25, 2019, 08:02:49 PM
If you cannot spin the alternator, then the squeal you hear is the belt trying to turn an armature that is frozen and NOT turning.

Sounds like your alternator is in need of a rebuild.

                                          - Warren
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: ko-lek-tor on June 25, 2019, 08:12:58 PM
Probably the fan is hitting the bottom of the top adjusting bracket, if you ask me? Seen it before.
Title: Re: Alternator noise
Post by: 1stgen68 on June 25, 2019, 10:36:55 PM
Got help over here and turns out that i didn't have the alt belt tight enough and the dang bracket had to be adjusted just enough to NOT hit the fan blades. This is something that i will never miss next time for sure. Thanks for the help guys!! Sorry to waste your time