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Anonymous Posted on Apr 24, 2013

Is replacing an alternator belt the same as replacing the alternator

My car broke down 2 months ago. It just died. The breakdown man said it was the alternator. I called the garage and asked how much it would be to have a new alternator fitted. He quoted me a price. I had the repair done. My car has broke down again... exactly the same fault. The breakdown man checked and said it is 100% the alternator. When I have checked my receipt from the garage they have listed the repair as "fitted new alternator belt" Is this replacing the whole alternator or just some kind of belt? The price he quoted me ( without even seeing the car) was to replace the alternator.

  • Paul Woodward Feb 08, 2016

    how much did u pay. if approx 20 they changed belt if 100+ they changed alternator. belts wear down and become loose so the alternator doesnt turn properly to charge battery. normally u just tighten the belt. you might haver been ripped off...

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2 Answers

danoyachtcap

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  • Posted on Apr 15, 2015
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Are you sure you need to replace it. You can test the alternator by starting the engine and measure the voltage on the battery. If it's at least 13.6 volts, (the minimum for properly charging the battery), then the alternator is probably ok.
Hope this helps.

Stephen

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  • Cars & Trucks Master 21,873 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 24, 2013
 Stephen
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Well the alternator is driven by a belt. You should be able to look at the alternator and tell if it has been replaced by how clean it is.

Testimonial: "Thanks. They did replace the alternator but are now saying it may me wiring issues. the breakdown man checked with some sort of device and said it was 100% the alternator. The garage said the breakdown man would of only been using amps to know that. so it may be wiring. Is the test that the breakdown man did a sure way of knowing if it is the alternator? if it was bad wiring somewhere would that test still say it was the alternator that was faulty ? "

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5 Related Answers

six-of-ten

  • 208 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 10, 2008

SOURCE: 1993 Honda Accord Timing belt

Tell us who made that belt so we can stay away from them.

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Anonymous

  • 8 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 23, 2008

SOURCE: 91 accord engine squeal

there's your problem......you have a cheap alternator. Buy atleast refurbished never used once especially from a junk yard. Sounds like the pulley is worn.

Anonymous

  • 1450 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 22, 2008

SOURCE: Can an Alternator Belt installation cause a timing belt problem?

I cannot see any reason for the belt to cause timing belt to jump. unless they messed up something installing belt.might wanna get a second opinion

Kenneth Clements

  • 110 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 22, 2008

SOURCE: ford focus 53 plate wont start

may have problem with selonoid on top of starter jamming give it a tap with hammer then try

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on May 17, 2009

SOURCE: 2003 cadillac cts - car dies while driving

hi it sounds like the acclerrator pump on carby when you first take off is this whot it dose .

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