Just got back from my mechanic. I went to have my belts tighten cause they have been squealing for a few weeks now. He said he couldn't cause a bolt on the alternator adjustment was broken and couldn't be done. To fix I was quoted $100-130 to fix it. Anyone else have this problem before? Is there another solution? I've had my battery light come on and off, also int. lights seem to dim at times. Also the heater will go up and down. Are all these symptoms related? TIA.


http://www.cardomain.com/id/jasvbts2k2

When you say "the heater will go up and down", do you mean the fan blows at different speeds? If so, that and the battery/interior lights are symptoms of an alternator problem, which of course is related to the belt problem. They are related because the alternator basically acts as a recharger for the battery. When the alternator isn't charging the battery (or not charging it well), energy is being steadily drained straight from the battery itself, which is a bad thing. Could eventually cause your battery to die and the car to not start.

Sucks that satan charges that much even though really only 1 bolt is broken.

there was just recently a topic semi related to this, try searching for tensioner pulley satan or something

I am not to familiar with this part, but for that kind of money can't I just buy an aftermarket alternator instead and have it installed for the same money, or is the adjustment bolt not am actual part of the alternator? Also would any aftermarket one work or are they car specific? If so where can I find a nice one in that price range? TIA.
:wary


http://www.cardomain.com/id/jasvbts2k2

the adjusting bolt probably fell out, it seem to have happened a few of us. just try to find the bolt used. it would be the one running left to right in the pic. without it your belt won't stay tight, after it loosens up enough it won't turn the alternator pulley.