Dave’s Free Car Repair Advice

Andy wonders:  I replaced the alternator power steering belt on my 2.3 galaxy yesterday, cos it had snapped. but the new one has shredded today on my way to work. why would this happen so quickly, please help as I’m going on holiday to Norfolk tomorrow.

I decided to email Andy directly with the following since he was in a big hurry to get it fixed:  It sounds to me like the pulley alignment is off or when you put on the new belt, it is rubbing something to make it shred. Check the condition of the pulley’s when you check the alignment and make sure you are routing the belt correctly, especially if it is a serpentine belt. Also, do not over tighten the belt!  I will post this answer in a day or two and maybe someone will comment on it at the site and give you more hints.

Subject:  1996 Ford Explorer charging system

Asa tells me:  I have a 1996 Ford Explorer 4.0L 4×4 that has tripped the charging light and is showing low voltage. I have replaced the alternator, battery, and tensioner pulley. I have also visually inspected the fuses, fusible links, and battery wires for any signs of wear or corrosion and found none. The explorer’s charging light is still on and registering low voltage. I’m at a loss. Any ideas on how to fix this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Subject:  1999 Mazda Protege alternator belt problems

John asks: My daughter’s Mazda Protege has eaten 3 alternator belts in the last 6 months. The belt would start squeaking about 15 seconds after the car starts and then sometimes the squeak would go away for a while. Then out of nowhere it would squeak real loud and break the belt.

I tried varying the belt tensions from moderately tight to very tight but nothing is working. Recently the belt broke again so I changed the alternator and the belt and it didn’t squeak for a while but it eventually started squeaking and broke the belt again. Today I put a new belt on it and it started squeaking again and so I unplugged the connector from the alternator and the squeaking stopped.

Suzy’s question: I have a 2001 kia optima 2.4 liter. I recently changed the alternator and now it stalls when accelerating. What is the problem?

Suzy, I hope you didn’t over tighten the belt, although it should have an automatic belt tensioner, I am not sure of that model.

When changing the alternator, did you by chance bump loose a harness connection or forget to plug one in? Make sure the belt or any other item is not dragging on a stationary part of the engine.