Alternator Bearings

[jody]

Hi All

I've been informed that the slight squealing noise (similar to a fan belt, but not as load or harsh) when starting my van could be due to the alternator bearings going.Is this likely and if so do i need to get a new alternator or can it be fixed ?

Also the lower belt (water pump) may be a little slack is this hard to adjust ?
How much slack should there be?
If replacing should i get a a slightly small than specified , as I've read some posts (although probably for a different engine) suggesting that the belt should be a 5 mm smaller than the spec.

I drive a 88 1.7 Diesel.

Cheers

Jody

[toomanytoys]

Belts squeek when worn and tired... if you are carefull you can tip a bit of talcum powder in/onto the belt/pulley's as its turning, this will quieten down any belt thats squeeking for a bit...
If the bearings are making a noise, they wont last a lot longer best to get a refurb alternator... but do the belts first...

a simple way to check apporximate correct tension is.. (with ENGINE OFF)

With thumb and forefinger, grip the belt in the longest run between pulley's and try and twist it 90 degrees... it should only go 90 ish, if it goes a lot further easily then too slack.. if you cant get it to 90 then its too tight (or your fingers are very weak... )
I'll do a couple of pics tomorrow if you are not sure what I mean...

[Aidan]

if it is the bearings then the alternator can be rebuilt however the cast body is known to wear too and it may be found that the bearing has worn the case and new bearing will not fit tight, there are ways around it, and other bosch alternator back bodies can be swapped for it if necessary.

[Chilla]

Talking of alternator bearings- does anyone know how much play there should be in the alternator bearings?
Just taken off my vbelt and found plenty of free play in the shaft more up and down than anything, alternators working fine tho.
Anyone know where I can get a bearing and brush kit?
ta

[jody]

Cheers Aidan

I'll have a look at the Belt and think bit more about the alternator.
Regarding a replacement can you advise where i might get a reconditioned replacement?

Cheers

Jody

[Aidan]

there's plenty listed on ebay at the mo
I get them done locally, there will probably be someone local to you who refurbs them, just ask round the garages to find who they recommend