So, I've been chasing problems all over the fiero over the last few months, she's driving me crazy.
At any rate, the latest is that the "swing bolt" on the alternator, when tightened, still allows the alternator to rattle around. I noticed that when the engine runs, it sounds like there are rocks in it, becuase the alternator is rattling so badly... like 1/8" badly.
So, I figure it's the bolt. I don't know what the PO did, but it's definitely not the original. So, I looked it up and found that it could be a 3/8" or 10mm bolt, so I went with 10mm becuase it was a hair larger than the 3/8, thinking it was just worn down or whatever. I bought a nice shoulder bolt off McMaster.
So, I take out the old bolt, put the new one in, and I can still grab the alternator and rattle it around.
I'm imagining that this means that I need a new alternator, that the entire hole is chewed out and pretty much not repairable.
I might be misunderstanding...but if you are using a shoulder bolt are you actually able to tighten the bolt all the way in? Is the bolt itself loose? (I can't remember the stock Fiero configuration since I only have a 4.9 in mine now). If you are able to tighten the bolt all the way so it feels tight and you can still move the alternator, then you have the wrong bolt - get one that's threaded all the way. The bolt should be metric. (a pic wouldn't hurt either)
sorry, the shoulder goes tight, but the bracket has tabs on the front and the back, so you don't actually grab the alternator with the swing bolt. I am fairly certain that the shoulder of this bolt is supposed to fit thtrough the alternator as a pivot point (not a hard bolt grab) and then the adjustment bolt at the bottom is how you tension and lock down the alternator.
Does the Alt fit tight tight between the alt bracket. If someone changed the alt and it has a different length mount could make a difference in how tight it fits.
Sounds like you option is to get the correct alt. or space it out with washers. If you space it be sure you keep the pulleys all in alignment. IE space in front or behind as needed.
[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 05-24-2014).]
It sounds like you are missing the split bushing in the bracket. It fits in the back hole and "takes up the slack" in between the mounting points. It tightens up to the point that even after you remove the upper bolt, you have to pry the alternator out of the bracket!
Not a Fiero bracket, but shows the kind of bushing that should be in rear hole.
I've got an alternator and bracket next to my desk, and I measured about 0.015" clearance, so you'll need a very thin washer. I'm planning on making my way to a hardware store in the near future, myself.
I've got an alternator and bracket next to my desk, and I measured about 0.015" clearance, so you'll need a very thin washer. I'm planning on making my way to a hardware store in the near future, myself.
The thing is not JUST a washer. It's a sleeve that reduces the hole in the bracket to the size of the alternator bolt.
No, they're on V6's. But the early 2.5's should have something similar, as should pretty much any car with a moveable alternator (i.e. something with manually tensioned belts).
I have a couple spare 2.8 alternator brackets I picked up from the junkyard and neither has this sleeve.
I have a spare myself. I have a reason to KNOW about the damn thing.
Funny story (almost) - I took my alternator bracket in to get ceramic coated. They called me back saying all that was left was the steel sleeve. !! I really don't know what temp oven they were using, but they now have a "warning" sign up about possible damage to pot metal, alloys etc. Luckily, there was a V6 Fiero at PnP that week. I've think I've only seen 3 V6 cars in 15 years (usually Duke engines).
Mike should find them on any 80-90's GM (don't know about newer models). He'll have to pull the alternator and drive them out with a hammer and punch.
The thing centers the bolt and closes the gap when the bolt is tightened.
[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 05-31-2014).]
TFS sells replacement alternator brackets that have stronger arms and include the sleeve. I just checked the one I have. Maybe they sell the sleeves also.
After fighting with the alternator for the good part of 2 hours last night, and running out of daylight, I was able to get a small washer in there. The funny thing is that the whole sleeve isn't gone, apparently the flange on the inside has worn away. I first tried to get a pretty beefy washer in there, but there was no way. I got a standard thin washer to go in, used a centerpunch to line everything up, then finally got the bolt back in there. She's sitting MUCH tighter than she was before. Today I'll go back out there with the daylight and get the belt back on and tensioned and such.
I will say this, though....I will likely just get a new bracket from TFS if they still have them if (when, hahha) I have to change the alternator.
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