It’s impossible to be a true car enthusiast and not have had a go at working on your vehicle. After all, getting to learn the insides of your favorite ride without having to shell out a pretty penny is well worth it.
Whether you’re a beginner or an automotive expert, alternator replacement should be on your DIY list of things to do. This may sound like an intimidating task if you’ve never done it before, especially because electricity is involved.
Fortunately, we are here to assist you in this process by providing alternator conversion tips, making the job more accessible and fun. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Always Disconnect the battery
While it might be easy, you don’t want to take any unnecessary steps that could potentially result in problems down the road. Before beginning your replacement, what to keep in mind is to disconnect your vehicle’s battery completely. Such that it is unoperational.
By this, you will avoid short circuits or shocks while replacing the alternator. In the end, it’s still worth double-checking to make sure that your work area is safe and secure.
Check the Belt
One of the most common reasons your alternator stops working is a broken belt. The belt is driven by the pulleys attached to the front of the engine. Each time you drive over a bump or pothole, these belts can break.
Anytime a belt breaks, it results in less power from the alternator, reducing car power when needed most– under heavy use when climbing hills or accelerating quickly.
This can cause poor; engine performance, braking, and even stalling. However, regular checking of the belt can save you money and put minor wear on them and other components.
Verify Belt Extension
The belt should not touch the housing or anything else once looped around the pulley. This can be a tricky adjustment and done wrong; your new alternator may fail. The belt should be at proper extension, ensuring that the alternator usually operates.
Therefore, if you find it hard to fix this step, you should seek a professional alternator expert. Since any friction or drag on your drive belt can cause damage to moving parts of your engine, making the alternator work harder than its specifications.
Bottom Line
A good deal of learning is done by making mistakes and second-guessing your actions. For instance, the suggestions in this article should help you replace your alternator without many aisles.
As long as you keep in mind the above tips, I’m sure you can correctly replace your alternator independently at home while saving your time and money.