alternator help.

[MiltonHavoc]

Been over heating and charge light is on. Been having a lot of trouble with alt belt. I figured if I put the "pivot" bolt in (after finding it was missing, and breaking the tensioner bolt that was holding the alt on)
It would solve the problem. Now I am getting a squeal but not belts. And almost a friction feeling. Wondering if it could be the bearing in the alt that has failed, resulting in the need for a new alt?

[tooldude]

Squealing

Are you sure it's not the alternator belt? If it was slipping from a lost bolt it could be well worn down. Then it takes too much tension to stop the slipping. Also, slipping belts wear down pulleys over a long time. If it's not belts, then it should be the alternator bearing since you just put proper tension back on it. If you have an alternator shop near, just the bearing could be replaced. Obviously the cost needs to right compared to replacement. Just another thought - it could be your water pump is squealing, especially if you've had coolant loss and it got very low. Does your engine really seem overheated? because if there is air trapped in the system the coolant sensor won't be cooled properly, registering hot. Typically the thermostat, or water pump leaking, or lots of rust in the system is the problem.

[WmWatt]

Cheaper to try replacing belt before try replacing alternator.

[bolokid]

We had a terrible squeaking on another of our rigs. After replacing the water pump and still having the problem we replaced the serpentine belt and it solved the problem. Even though the belt appeared to be fine it was not.

[MiltonHavoc]

Two belts in two days.
It isn't really the high pitched belt squeal. It could be the water pump. Although that was replaced just a few months back.

I know my radiator is pretty shoddy but have been waiting to replace the heater core before i do that (order of importance)