Iltis alternator/belt "squeaking" problem.

Pedro Bedard · #1 09-05-12, 23:16

Hey guys.
I noticed that my Iltis was "squeaking" a bit the last time I drove it. It seems to be coming from the belts and alternator area.
I also noticed that the belts seemed a bit loose.
Now, tightening the alternator I can do, but how tight should it be? I know that too tight is as bad as too loose.
What do you guys use as a guide for belt tightness?

rob love · #2 09-05-12, 23:42

Belts get tightened to normal deflection, about a half inch at the center. However, the design of the iltis alternator mounting does not lend itself well to tightening the belts. You pull the alternator back, tighten up the adjusting nut, and right away you have slack. The upper rubber bushing would give once under load, making it difficult to get proper tension.

Casey B · #3 10-05-12, 01:57

Okay I know it's not the right thing to do but you could try running it and just be careful but get a bar of soap abd run on the underside of the belt. Try a position with the engine not running to see where to put your hand or pliars with a piece of soap...let it rub on the belt till the squeek stops...try it... it usually works for while.
Again it may not solve the problem but the squeak is gone! Then again it may.