Hey all,

Got a bit of an issue with my alternator at the moment... It does not work.

I changed by belts a couple of weeks back and found that part of the alternator pulley was loose and I could take it off (down in the middle where the Alternator and Power steering belts meet).

So I left it there, didnt drive it too much and decided I would get it fixed not long after.

Had to drive up to Hervey Bay from Brisbane (The big metal part which comes off seemed to be stuck on properly again) - Did a little bit of highway driving after getting into Hervey Bay and I hear a metal clang, I just thought it was my lower control arm going again.

Stop the car a little bit later, Did a few things, Hop back in and I have an epic red light next to the time with the picture of a battery - Just thought this was the battery being low and needed the alternator to recharge it a bit.

Did a bit more driving etc, Found the light not going away, Opened up the bonnet and to my surprise I was missing my belt and the big metal bit.

Sent some messages around to see if I could do anything to last for a while (needed to be back in Brisbane for Monday) Was told I would not make it back at all.

Recharged the battery over night, Put it back in, Drove from Hervey Bay to Eight Mile Plains (320km) and as I pulled up in the drive way the battery literally died (I'm just really damned lucky.

My main issue is, Where can I get one of these big metal things from (Anyone know what they are called) or will I have to replace that part of the pulley entirely? Maybe even some other wacky Idea's?

Im guessin a new alternator may be on the cards. No point replacing a part of the alternator.

Yeah replace the whole alternator..

You are better off..:)

dont buy a whole new one. take it or send it to alternator workshop and they will rebuild it, respray it, and will be cheaper

I *could* be misinterpreting what you just wrong.....

It sounds like your Alternator tentioner pulley came off right?

Its the round thing, with a nut in the middle, that slides along this (what 10cm?) metal bracket.

If so - Repco/any parts store - cost? around $100-$150, get it through your mechanic if he's nice to you.

Takes about 15minutes to re-install when the car is not jacked up.

As for tension setting, you should tighten it so you have 1cm of play when you put a good few kg of force on it. As a rough mark, use the oil filter as a guide, then press on it. If its too tight, you'll wear out your alternator bearing (rebuild is around $240....so becareful).

If its loose, you'll hear the screaching sound pretty fast.

I have now fixed this.

Sorry everyone for my dodgy explanation, to clarify it is what is apparently known as a "Harmonic Balancer"

Called around, Capalaba Auto Wreckers had one off a KF Verada for $71, Went out, picked it up, fitted it after work, 2 hr job

Belts reattached, tested, driven all working awesome.

Now I have a battery charger and a spare battery for emergency's :D

Harmonic Balancer....WTF, if that came off you would have no power steering, aircon, alt either. Would not be surprised if the balancer did a whole heap of damage to the timing covers and belt for that matter as well? Remember this weighs a few KG's

I think you have been told furfies to be honest

Do not guess you have a pic of the part. I have never heard of a balancer coming off, if it did, you would also risk the timing belt lower pulley coming away and then the sensor plate would tare out your Crank Angle Sensor.

You know how you have the harmonic balancer, on the back (next to the engine) the power steering pump belt is on.

On the front (closest to wheel) you have the alternator belt going around, the metal ring (around 3/4in thick) was the thing which came off.

To clarify, metal ring on harmonic balancer fell off

Only thing holding on these metal rings is some seal, plastic or otherwise (this seal was also worn something epic)

If someone wants a picture of it I can get one, I kept the part

Sounds like the bearing disintigrated.

Mate if you can get a pic it would be good - just for curiousity more than anything really :D