So today I replaced my alternator. The hardest part was threading the bolt into the small bracket. I then tried to install my belt. Weird thing is, it was hard to get on despite loosening the pulley and easily removing the belt. Once I got the new belt on by force, there was no more room to tighten the pulley.

Has anyone else experienced this? I did remove the idle pulley to access and hold the small bracket in place so I could secure the alternator.

 

You did something wrong but I have nor idea of what it was. People don't usually take the idler mechanism off, so I'm guessing it didn't get put on correctly.

 

I just took the pulley off, not the assembley. I'm now questioning if I placed the small locking bracket on the alternator correctly. That hook on the back goes close to the idler assembley. Perhaps that hook is blocking it. Will check it out as I have a slight squel at startup.