Alternator Belt Screech!!

[roy666]

Hi all.. I get a dreadful screech every time I start the engine.... goes on for a while and then stops. I'm assuming it must be the Alt belt because lights are dim and then go bright when the noise stops. I've read some of the Wiki stuff which has given me a good steer.... I think the tensioner is down behind the black pas reservoir. How do you get the tensioner ... tensioned... I can't shift it.... not sure I can loose too much more knuckle skin!! thanks all. Roy

[dapinky]

Hi Roy,

from the top is the only way to really get to the bracket.....

...but you can make life a bit easier by moving the PAS reservoir out of the way

You don't need to disturb the 2 hoses (with Jubilee clips) on the bottom, so fluid leakage doesnt become a problem - just undo the 10mm (head size, not thread size!) bolts on the bracket (there are 3 in total - 1 which holds the reservoir to the bracket, and 2 which hold the bracket to the car) - you can then push the reservoir over towards the rear of the car and actually get to the altenator bracket.

[inkitin]

My Elan used to do exactly the same thing. It might be a little bit more than the alternator belt simply needing tightening!

See my experience here

In my case, the alternator windings had corroded and expanded and were rubbing on the alternator casing eventually jamming up completely. Might be worth checking this at the same time because if it is, then the alternator will give way eventually.

[nicowalker1]

I have the same, I think mine is because of a leaky oil cooler spraying the belt/pulley. May he worth a check?