1999 Protege DX alternator belt problems

[Billy Bobby]

This is my daughter's car that I maintain. Back in June, her alternator wasn't charging so I picked one up along with new belts and installed them. About 5 or 6 weeks later, the alternator belt broke. I checked the pulleys and they seemed fine, so I figured maybe the belt was too tight and replaced it. 3 weeks later it broke again, and her husband put one in. Last month it broke again I checked the pulleys once again and made sure they were lined up with a straight edge. So I installed a new one again. Guess what happened today? Same thing. Belt's gone. I could use some help on this one.

 

[concept]

If the belts weren't breaking BEFORE the alternator was replaced, then the problem HAS to be the alternator. Take it back and have it checked. My guess is that it is intermittently seizing.

 

[Billy Bobby]

That was my guess too but wanted another opinion before I spend about $200 for parts. ( the 3 month warranty has expired ) Thanks.

 

[Billy Bobby]

I wonder if its worth just changing the bearings. Alternator is putting out 14.5 volts.

 

[03protolx]

I had to replace the alternator in my '03 a few months back and had the problem of the belt squealing even when the belt was as tight as it should be.

came out that the alternator pulley was "too tight" and oreilly's swapped out to another one. no more squealing.

I'd ask your daughter if the battery light ever comes on or if the belt ever squeals.

if it wasn't doing it before the alternator, it is probably a defective part. 90% of the parts you pick up from an auto parts store are refurbished from used parts anyways. usually they have a lifetime warranty and wherever you picked it up from should be able to swap it out no questions asked.

 

[Billy Bobby]

The belt would squeal from time to time, after I put in the rebuilt alternator. I had adjusted it looser from about 1/2" to about 3/4" play and it seemed to help a little but nevertheless it squealed again, battery light came on and I found the belt broke again. I have to add that she had driven the Protg from Seattle, to Phoenix and then Boston with no problem with the old alternator. After an oil change she got, the engine was smoking. The oil filler cap was missing and blew oil on the engine and shorted the old alternator out, which is why I originally changed it. Then the never ending problems began.
I am seriously thinking what was answered before: that the alternator is intermittently seizing under a load and heat.

 

[03protolx]

If you loosen it then it will squeal more. Tighten it up more than it was before.

When its squealing its actually burning through your belt. Happened to me.

 

[Billy Bobby]

I put in another alternator and belt Saturday. Problem solved. I spun the old one's pulley and could hear the bearings squeaking. So, thanks for the help & ideas to 'concept' and 'protolx'!

 

[03protolx]

I put in another alternator and belt Saturday. Problem solved. I spun the old one's pulley and could hear the bearings squeaking. So, thanks for the help & ideas to 'concept' and 'protolx'!

No Problem!