89 Cadillac alternator

POPPAROCKS

MEMBER
1989 CADILLAC

I thought my alternator belt may have rattled something loose or it may need an adjustment, but after going back and looking at it realized its the alternator making the loud, rattling noise. It appears the plate against the rotor has been making contact and may be a bit loose. I will try to tighten tonight, but if it doesnt solve the problem, could it be that the bearings of the rotor are the issue? If so, is it easier to just replace the alternator as a whole or mess with the bearings? In addition, since the belt is so tight, whats the best way release the tension to replace the alternator?

1 Reply

LOSONE

MECHANIC
1,616 POSTS

The belt tensioner is a bit lower than the alternator. Locate it and release the belt. (There is a drawing either on the hood or radiator suport of the belt routing) The only fix is to replace the alternator.