2001 Chevy Cavalier Alternator Replacement

PILGRIM

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
130,000 MILES

I have a squealling coming from under the hood and I think it is the alternator. Can you tell me how hard is to replace it? Not sure what all has to be taken off to get to it. Also how hard is it to get to the idler arm to reduce the belt tension?

Thanks

6 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

A squeak might be coming from your alternator but probably not a squeal. If it sounds like the belt is squealing then you might have a bad serpentine belt tensioner. What engine do you have. Its the eigth letter of your v.I.N. Number

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Friday, January 11th, 2008 AT 2:49 PM

PILGRIM

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The eigth letter is T
Is the belt tensioner hard to replace?

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Friday, January 11th, 2008 AT 2:59 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

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I just looked it up and it does look tricky. It shows removing the ac compressor because the tensioner is part of the bracket holding ac compressor. Id advise bringing it to your local repair shop and have them diagnose the problem. I hope this helps.

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Friday, January 11th, 2008 AT 3:05 PM

PILGRIM

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4 POSTS

What should I expect to pay for an alternator replacement or tensioner replacement job

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Friday, January 11th, 2008 AT 3:27 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
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Im showing a dealer list price of $300 for alternator and.7 hours labor. You will probably be charged up to 2 hours labor to diagnose and replace alternator. * You could use aftermarket parts and pay less money. Im not showing a price on tensioner, but the labor is about 2 hours just to replace tensioner. I hope this helps