If your 97 Aspire alternator is squealing under load at idle despite adjusting the belt tension, consider checking the condition of the serpentine belt for wear or glazing, as a worn belt can slip and cause noise. Additionally, inspect the alternator bearings for any signs of wear or damage, which could lead to increased friction and noise. If the problem persists, you may want to test the alternator's output to ensure it's functioning properly, as electrical issues can also contribute to unusual sounds.
If it is a serpentine belt, the tension is automatically adjusted by the tension idler. If the belt is loose then the tensioner needs replacing. If it is a normal drive belt, then the alternator is mounted on a slotted bracket that allows you to adjust the position of the alternator. You can loosen the bolts and adjust the tension on the belt.
Check the tension on the belt; a loose belt will cause the battery voltage to go down because it may be slipping on the alternator and also squeals when you accelerate because the crankshaft is turning faster than the belt.
Assuming you have a serpentine belt on that 3.3L engine, the tension on the alternator would be controlled by the idler (tension) pulley. The alternator is stationary.
Loosen the alternator tensioner bolt. You will be able to slide the alternator either way to adjust the tension on the belt.
The alternator belt is tension to about 12 pounds. This figure is however not a static figure.
which pully do i remove tension to remove the alternator?
There is no tension adjustment. Tension is automatically adjusted by the idler pulley.
Sometimes when a serpentine belt squeals it's because it is too worn or lose to grip the pulleys properly. It could also just be that the tension needs to be adjusted. If the belt is getting worn out, it's best to replace it before you get stranded.
Two bolts on the alternator, one on top 12mm in the slotted hole, one on bottom of the alternator being a 14mm (just loosen both of them). The one on the bottom is the pivot point. Rotating the alternator will adjust the tension on the serpentine belt. Leave about 1/2" play in the belt. If it squeals later may need a bit more tension. Don't overtighten. Notice the arm at the top attached to the alternator (the arm with the slotted hole) has a cast bolt midway on the face toward the engine. This makes a nice leverage point for sticking a screwdriver in between this bolt and the alternator (holding srewdriver vertically and pushing forward) for tightening.
Take the belt back off, then try to bolt the tensioner on.
"First Remove the Tension bolt from the alternator and remove." "Next take a hammer and gently tap the alternator down" "Do the same with the Tension Mount" "After realigning the alternator and the Tension mount replace the bolt" "BE CAREFUL NOT TOO TIGHT ON THE BELT OR YOU WILL RUIN THE BEARINGS" "GOOD LUCK"
it could be your pulley that keeps tension on your belt or it could be a belt