matrix11229

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 ?

Nopike

iTrader: (2)

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.

MadMaxSE-L

iTrader: (4)

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...

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. 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)

matrix11229

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.

xlr8r

Mine looks just like that (just not so rusty)

Are you having starting problems when warm? What are your symptoms?

Snypa

iTrader: (35)

yeah, just make sure the contacts are good(metal to metal) you shud be safe.

matrix11229

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.

jojo98maxima

thta is no problem its just normal for that piece to rust

TunerMaxima3000

iTrader: (4)

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.)

heynow

iTrader: (1)

KOOL! Thanks, i also noticed that while i was getting my alty changed.

I'm also trying to ease the vibration as matrix11229 said.

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?)

Nopike

iTrader: (2)

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

TunerMaxima3000

iTrader: (4)

1G wire is MUCH larger than 16G.

^