replacing alternator belt

[rmp2711]

lately when i first start my 90 festiva in the morning i would hear a loud squealing noise follow by a grinding sound. also would here the same noise when i would slow down and down shift. thinking it could be my alternator belt i attempted to replace the belt. i loosened the adjustment bolt, but the alternator won't move to allow slack in belt to remove it. i then cut off the belt thinking it was causing the alternator not to move. is there another bolt that needs to be loosened from underneath to make the alternator move? also will i do anything to the engine if i started it without a belt so i can drive it on car ramps so i can work under the car if there is a bolt underneath i need to loosen. as you can tell i don't know a lot about cars but like doing the maintenance on my car myself when i can.

[mattswabb]

there is another bolt that needs to be loosened. It is on the lower side of the alternator. You should be able to get to it from the top.

matt

[mechanicaldj]

a 14mm bolt is located on the backside of the alternator, easier done from underneath.

and yes, you can drive the car on battery power alone.

and don't forget to disconnect the battery first.

[rmp2711]

thanks for your help. crawled under the car, found the 14mm bolt. loosened the bolt, put on belt, and tightened everything up. finished job in about 10 minutes. thanks again for the info.