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Rusty Alternator Ground ? Check This Out

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Old Dec 10, 2007 | 07:48 PM
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Rusty Alternator Ground ? Check This Out

After my alternator have been replaced in the shop I noticed a rusty piece of metal attached to it, which I don't think that it looked like that before.

Is this the alternator ground ?

Should I replace it or try to sand it ?

Old Dec 10, 2007 | 07:52 PM
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Looks like a ground, ot sure if it is for the alternator but just clean it so that the metal to metal connections are clean.
Old Dec 10, 2007 | 07:59 PM
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The alternator should ground through the case IIRC. At least this is how the one-wire alternators work. But the factory alt.s are not one wire, so I could be wrong.

That looks like a ground for something else...
Old Dec 11, 2007 | 09:07 AM
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I can't tell if that's the positive terminal of the alternator or just a grounding point, can you take a better picture? The positive terminal should have a rubber boot around it, and a pretty thick wire going back into the harness. If you have one handy, use a voltmeter between a known good ground, the negative terminal or one of the factory headlight grounds, and that post and see if there is a voltage difference with the engine running. Difference of 0.00, it's a ground, difference of 12.00-14.00 and it's the positive terminal.
Unless you're having electrical problems, I would leave it alone, give it a sanding if you're feeling adventurous. If you ARE having electrical problems, head down to the closest Auto Zone/O'Reilly's and have your alternator/battery tested. (But don't buy their alternators, go OEM)
Old Dec 11, 2007 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by jmello
I can't tell if that's the positive terminal of the alternator or just a grounding point, can you take a better picture? The positive terminal should have a rubber boot around it, and a pretty thick wire going back into the harness.
I will take a better picture. I don't think it's positive terminal because the one with the plastic cup is located much lower near the alternator.

I just wanna know if you guys have the same looking piece of metal attached to the alternator, because I think the mechanic did something wrong when he replaced the alternator.
Old Dec 11, 2007 | 08:18 PM
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Mine looks just like that (just not so rusty)

Are you having starting problems when warm? What are your symptoms?
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 07:42 AM
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yeah, just make sure the contacts are good(metal to metal) you shud be safe.
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by xlr8r
Mine looks just like that (just not so rusty)

Are you having starting problems when warm? What are your symptoms?
I have no starting problems. But after my alternator was replaced I have vibration in N and P. I even bought a different alternator and got it installed but I still have vibration. I loosen the alternator belt tension and it got better but I still feel it.

I will try to clean the contacts on this thing and also the engine ground.
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:21 AM
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jojo98maxima
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thta is no problem its just normal for that piece to rust
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:23 AM
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that's the alty to chassis ground.

I removed the bracket all together and ran 1G to the chassis(body).

the original wire is a 16G wire(thats the little black wire in your pic coming off the bracket, it runs just through the loom to a bolt right next to the washer resevoir.)

Last edited by TunerMaxima3000; Dec 12, 2007 at 11:26 AM.
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by TunerMaxima3000
that's the alty to chassis ground.

I removed the bracket all together and ran 1G to the chassis(body).

the original wire is a 16G wire(thats the little black wire in your pic coming off the bracket, it runs just through the loom to a bolt right next to the washer resevoir.)
KOOL! Thanks, i also noticed that while i was getting my alty changed.

I'm also trying to ease the vibration as matrix11229 said.
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by TunerMaxima3000
that's the alty to chassis ground.

I removed the bracket all together and ran 1G to the chassis(body).

the original wire is a 16G wire(thats the little black wire in your pic coming off the bracket, it runs just through the loom to a bolt right next to the washer resevoir.)
Can you take a pic, and explain where did you connect both ends of the wire ?

Also what's the difference between 1G wire and 16G ?

Did you notice any difference after that ? (did you have any vibration before?)
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 08:49 PM
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The chances of this ground having anything to do with your car vibrating are very slim.
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by matrix11229
Can you take a pic, and explain where did you connect both ends of the wire ?

Also what's the difference between 1G wire and 16G ?

Did you notice any difference after that ? (did you have any vibration before?)
1G wire is MUCH larger than 16G.

nopike:
The chances of this ground having anything to do with your car vibrating are very slim.
^
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