Alternator bracket
Alternator bracket
Sup guys. So i just finished replacing my alternator but now i cant get the belt back on. The pulley bolt is loose and i lossened the tensioner. But i ran across an old thread where someone said it was because of an "L" bracket that didnt let the pulley move up but they werent very clear about which bracket and how it was supposed to be positioned so if anyone can guide me on how to fix this that would be great. I
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,037
From: Central AR
Did you remove the tensioner pulley or is it still connected to the shaft with the 14mm nut?
After loosening the tension adjuster with the 14 mm bolt (topside) I've been able to slide the tensioner shaft up to get the pulley out of the way when I replace a belt or the alternator.
To keep the pulley shaft up and out of the way when reinstalling a new belt, I have a straight edge screwdriver that insert behind the tensioner bracket from the bottom to keep pressure on the sliding part that holds the pulley.
Once I get the new belt or pulley into position, then I pull out the screwdriver and tighten the tension adjuster and pulley nut.
If I don't need to secure the tensioner bolt in place from behind the bracket, then I just loosen the pulley tension by turning the topside 14mm bolt counterclockwise until there is enough slack to install the new belt. I may slightly tighten the 14mm nut on the pulley to keep a little pressure on it until I get into position for final tightening.
After loosening the tension adjuster with the 14 mm bolt (topside) I've been able to slide the tensioner shaft up to get the pulley out of the way when I replace a belt or the alternator.
To keep the pulley shaft up and out of the way when reinstalling a new belt, I have a straight edge screwdriver that insert behind the tensioner bracket from the bottom to keep pressure on the sliding part that holds the pulley.
Once I get the new belt or pulley into position, then I pull out the screwdriver and tighten the tension adjuster and pulley nut.
If I don't need to secure the tensioner bolt in place from behind the bracket, then I just loosen the pulley tension by turning the topside 14mm bolt counterclockwise until there is enough slack to install the new belt. I may slightly tighten the 14mm nut on the pulley to keep a little pressure on it until I get into position for final tightening.
Last edited by CS_AR; Jul 14, 2017 at 05:40 AM.
The "L" bracket is brass in appearance. It's relatively small but thick. It's on the top ear of the alternator and on the timing cover side. There are two positions in can go in. You'll have to loosen that bolt enough to allow the bolt to slide and allow re-positioning of the bracket.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 633
From: Planet Houston
It has been my experience that IF the tensioner bolt is loosened _just_so_ AND the mechanic is caught un-awares THEN the loosened nut/washers on the back side of the pulley will not move in conjunction with the adjustment screw (it will bind against the block/the tensioner bracket) and that will prevent it from moving DOWN far enough to get the belt on.
IF the same thing happens when you're trying to take the slack off the belt with the adjustment screw (if the nuts and washers get bound up behind the tensioner bracket) THEN you will bend the tensioner bracket (and eventually break the adjustment screw)
instead of moving the pulley up the bracket.
Ask me how I know. Forewarned is forearmed. Make sure you understand how the pulley is supposed to work.
IF the same thing happens when you're trying to take the slack off the belt with the adjustment screw (if the nuts and washers get bound up behind the tensioner bracket) THEN you will bend the tensioner bracket (and eventually break the adjustment screw)
instead of moving the pulley up the bracket.
Ask me how I know. Forewarned is forearmed. Make sure you understand how the pulley is supposed to work.