Alternator Bracket / Belt Squeal

[George-S]

Hi all,

I am sure this has come up before but can't see examples of what other people have done.
Wondering if anyone has modified or fabricated a better alternator adjustment bracket on their Beta?
I often have problems with belt squeal I am running MAHLE Alternator 14V 65A MG423
I find the top bracket fairly flimsy and not sturdy enough to keep the alternator running in full alignment, I will get it all nicely setup and few drives later its moved out of position.

Has anyone done something similar, or found a better solution?

Would be interested to see any photos of modified brackets or alternative setups.

Thanks!

[SanRemo78]

If it's out of alignment I'd suggest looking at the bottom bushings to see if either of them are failing allowing the alternator body to twist. I'd also look at the pulley alignment and make sure that the belt isn't being pulled sideways slightly before I looked at the upper tensioner. It will have a little bit of give in it sideways to allow proper alignment but it's solid along its length to maintain belt tension.
Guy

[Nigel]

Hi George,
If you are still using the soft orange bush between the two
brackets, that may have broken up. This causes the 2nd bracket (pictured)
to float around a bit.
I found a solution to that by pressing in a plastic spacer, this coming
from a TV mounting kit (!).
I can't think of anything else that would cause trouble.

Edit: And what Guy said.

Nigel

[peteracs]

Hi

I would second Guy/Nigel, never had an issue and I have non OEM alternator fitted. Looking at your photo you have a washer on one side of the top bar, but a smaller diameter spacer which may be the issue as the slot looks quite large compared to your spacer diameter, so not that much to grip onto?

Peter

[George-S]

Thanks for the replies.

I've had another look at the rubber bush between the two upper brackets and found that it's actually split underneath, so that could well be part of the problem.
I assume the rubber is there to reduce vibrations, but does it really need to be rubber? I've got a 3D printer, so I'm wondering if I could make a solid plastic replacement instead.

As for the lower mounting, there is a little side to side movement for adjustment, but I'm not sure whether that's enough to allow the alternator to twist out of alignment.

What seems to happen is that after a few drives, the alternator gradually gets pulled to a slight angle slightly causing the belt to rub and squeal.

Peter, you are probably right I should improve the washer & spacer arrangement to give it a larger surface area to clamp down on the adjustment.

Cheers for suggestions!

[WestonE]

I agree with what has been said already and would add fit a NEW Nylock Nut or add a spring washer to stop it working loose with vibration.