I fixed my squealing belt!

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 03/17/2018 at 17:46 • Filed to: None

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After dealing with it for over a year.... All it took was loosening one bolt on my alternator, tightening one bolt that positions the alternator, then re-tightening the first bolt. Took 2 minutes, tops. Everything easily reachable from above.

I am now seeing 14.5 volts immediately at startup, instead of 12 with a three minute wait to get voltage up to a good level. No more squeals! I can’t believe I lived with this so long. I was scared this would be a big job and I’d fuck it up and make things worse. But no... Two bolts. That’s it. I’m both happy, and shaking my head at myself! The belts actually looked to be in good shape. I ordered OEM replacements for both accessory belts, but for now I’m just going to call it good and keep the spare belts in the car.

Oh, added a Blackbird fabworx tow strap as well. Any recommendations for a tow strap that would suit my little Miata?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 03/17/2018 at 17:57

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The strap kinda looks like it is drooling.

One that looked like drops of something might actually be funny.

You’ll probably get more use out of a tow strap/loop than at least 95% of those with straps on the fronts of their cars.

Aremmes > AestheticsInMotion 03/17/2018 at 17:59

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It worked so well, you did it twice!

Aremmes > AestheticsInMotion 03/17/2018 at 17:59

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It worked so well, you did it twice!

AestheticsInMotion > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 03/17/2018 at 18:30

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I may ziptie the strap to the mount so it’s mostly invisible... I’m 50/50 on whether or not I like the look. But yeah, the function part is what’s important! Now if I break down at the next Seattle meet one of you will be able to take me to safety!

AestheticsInMotion > Aremmes 03/17/2018 at 18:30

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Well played.

Also.... KINJAAAAAAAAAAA

interstate366, now In The Industry > Aremmes 03/17/2018 at 18:32

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What you did there. I sees it.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 03/17/2018 at 18:36

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I was thinking more on your off-road adventures. When you need to pull some Subaru out of a snow bank (or get pulled out by one).

wkiernan > AestheticsInMotion 03/17/2018 at 19:41

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There’s also a belt-tensioner bolt on NAs, where you can adjust the tension with a small wrench.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > AestheticsInMotion 03/17/2018 at 21:34

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If you give your tow strap a fork and stick it out the exact middle of your car, it’ll look like a googly eyed snake.