'96 Burning Alternator Belts RnR

[workingout]

I have gone through two Alt belts in three months. The Alt is still working fine, charging and providing power, yet it squeals like a banshee when the temp is below freezing.

I was quoted $165 plus an $80 core charge for a replacement. I hear that the RnR for an Alternator on the sephia is not pleasant.

My question is; do I really need to replace it if its still working?

Is the squealing a sign that its about to go bad?

[MeettheCreeper]

Originally Posted by workingout

I have gone through two Alt belts in three months. The Alt is still working fine, charging and providing power, yet it squeals like a banshee when the temp is below freezing.

I was quoted $165 plus an $80 core charge for a replacement. I hear that the RnR for an Alternator on the sephia is not pleasant.

My question is; do I really need to replace it if its still working?

Is the squealing a sign that its about to go bad?

squealing is normally a loose belt. I have also heard alternator sing like that when they are put under a heavy load.

For 165 bucks I would have it done. I work at the dealer and cant get a price on an alternator installed for that. I couldnt even do it myself for that price.

They arent that difficult ot remove. Just have to know tricks of the trade.

[workingout]

Its not a load problem. The car has no after market equt. The head lamps are off. its only when atmospheric temp is really low...

Can pulleys stick in cold weather?

OR is a loose belt something that will squeal more in the cold?

[cbeck]

Originally Posted by workingout

OR is a loose belt something that will squeal more in the cold?

as I understand it, when cold, the rubber is more brittle/hard, and more prone to squeal or slip if loose...

[workingout]

Well I replaced it. and it works like a champ. And I can now do a PS/AC belt in record time.

if your doing this in your driveway, Just pull the axel right off the bat. have a can to catch diff oil as the axel comes out. it will drain about a 1.5-2 pts