Loose Alternator Belt/Squealing Noise Options

[Overkill]

Alright guys, I am in need of some assistance. I believe that the alternator belt on my 1999 GT is loose. There is an unbearable squealing sound coming from the engine when I start/drive the car. I have been looking on the forums for a while now and did several searches for potential problems/solutions, and I am still coming up slightly short. I feel the issue in my case is a loose belt, but I do not know 100% for sure that is the issue and I also do not know how to tighten it if it is the issue.

I found this thread - http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showto...Squealing+sound But there is not a how-to solution to the problem.

I filmed a video of my car and the sound it is making. It can be found @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrObTHW8ufs...eature=youtu.be

Can someone please show me where the tensioner for this belt is and how tight should it actually be? Also, if it appears that the slack in the belt is normal, and that it might be a different issue, Please let me know.

Thank you in advance for any help.

[Spider77]

You can adjust the tension by messing with that long bolt on the bracket (right next to alt). There is another bolt that runs horizontally, it runs into what looks like a metal rectangle/square thing. Loosen that first, then use the vertical bolt to adjust tension. When you have what you want tighten the horz bolt in. Cant remember torque specs or bolt head size off the top of my head, but you'll see it, its in plain sight.

[playr158]

Belts are definitely a cause. As spider said the bolt to adjust is right along the alternator.

Also take a look at your AC compressor. My wife's squeels like crazy because the clutch on it is going bad.

[Overkill]

Thank you guys for the response. I have figured out... there is a bolt missing. lol! I am adding two pictures below. The first one shows the bolt missing. I am wondering if anyone knows what size bolt it should be. The second picture shows the bolt and square nut from Picture 1. The bolt that is missing obviously bolts into the square nut, but I do not know how to adjust it. Is the Vertical Bolt used for adding or reducing tension on the belt, or is it for alignment of the alternator pulley?





Actually, after rereading Spider77's response... its much more clear. I guess all I need to know is the size bolt that's missing.

[Overkill]

Anyone know what size bolt that is that's missing?!?!

[Smaay]

its a 8X1.25 bolt with a 12mm head. this is a very common bolt on toyota its about 2 inches long. if its not 8X1.25 then its 8x1. i cant remember off the top of my head.

[Overkill]

Thank you Smaay!

[Overkill]

Thank you guys for the help. I have fixed the squeal.

The bolt that was missing is Toyota Part Number 91671-80850. This bolt goes through the block (spacer), through the tensioner plate, into the alternator housing. Basically from Driver's side to Passenger side. I followed Spider's instructions, putting the bolt in place, but keeping it not all the way tightened. I then tightened the vertical bolt until I felt there was enough tension on the belt. Then I tightened the horizontal bolt. Started car.. and no more squeal!

Here is a video of afterwards... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeKuZ84tijA...eature=youtu.be

Thanks again for all the help guys!

[cheela]

same thing happened to me except I busted the long vertical bolt. that was no fun. hahaha. glad you got it all sorted out.

[Spider77]

Glad it worked out for you.