Squealing alternator - belt too big?

[Prote]

Howdy all,

 

Problem wiv me Proton...

 

New alternator belt fitted in May this year. Every month it needs re-tightening which even allowing for a new belt to stretch seems excessive to me. The belt seems tight and can twist about 90-degree at longest point. Once tightened it's good for another few weeks.

 

The make is 0-Pure and size is 4PK 870. Gates list it as 4PK 868. I'm guessing that's a 2mm size difference but is that significant and can be adjusted out?

 

A couple of thoughts:

 

1) I could keep tightening it - feasible but a faff...

 

2) get a new Gates one and bung that on? I've never heard of O-Pure - are they cr@p anyway?

 

3) to me the alternator belt doesn't seem to sit quite right on the pulleys. I had a new waterpump fitted with the belt, so could that be out of alignment or poor manufacturing? It seems to have a slightly wider gap between one side and the belt. Few pics below. The garage didn't supply the waterpump so seriously doubt they'll investigate for free.

 

Apart from the 20 seconds of squealing on start-up, the belt sounds fine when warmed up.

 

Hmmmm....?

 

Thanks!

[sierraman]

Spray some belt slip on it.

[steveo3002]

think id be inclined to order a known brand ....once tightened it should last 1000s of miles until it needs tweaking again

[hpi_matrix]

Spray some belt slip on it.

 

Or talcum powder 

[Prote]

think id be inclined to order a known brand ....once tightened it should last 1000s of miles until it needs tweaking again

Thanks - I've ordered a Gates one for later today. They're only about a tenner so that's an easy tryout.

 

Cheers

[Prote]

Or talcum powder 

Ah interesting - never heard that one before. Thanks!!!

[Prote]

Spray some belt slip on it.

I borrowed some and it's quietened it down, so it's definitely the belt. My guess it's an NOS belt of dubious make.... Cheers!

[colnerov]

 Hi, Yes, a decent quality belt would be a start, Gates are good.  A couple of things to check, make sure the bottoms of the 'V' is not shiny, which means the belt is bottoming out and the sides can't grip.  The other is check the side walls of the pulleys for any rust or rough surface as this chews away the belt and it goes out of adjustment.

 

 Colin

[dozeydustman]

Zooming into your second photo, the belt looks too wide for the pulley's groove, possibly the wrong section, so it wouldn't sit properly and therefore makes nice* chirps. And possibly jump out.

 

Decent & correct belt will sort it.

[Des]

Might be worth having your battery checked, if they're on the way out they can put a bit of a load on the charging system, might have even had a hand in seeing off your old alternator.

[MikeR]

I 2nd that , it looks a bit wide

[Bren]

 

The autoshite way.

[Des]

Well yeah they'll add that finishing touch to your outfit but I don't think a fan belt will be too bothered.