Alternator Upper Pivot Bolt

2005.Neon.SXT · Post by **2005.Neon.SXT** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 11:15 pm

So... I think my battery had finally had enough of it being insufficiently charged that it just didn't want to start. Had it jumped, sat for a few minutes, and when the cables were pulled the car died. Before our ride came out to pick us up, I had the alternator already removed and ready to head out to Advance Auto. I was hoping that we wouldn't have to replace it so soon since the 85 amp (Neon Alternator) was only ~$80 whereas I paid $160 for the PT Cruiser 120 amp alternator... such is life.

Anyhow, I don't know if the "Upper Adjusting Bolt" just had enough or what but I totally snapped the head off of the bolt. What I'm wondering is: what needs to be replaced? Can I just replace #1 in the picture, or do I need the whole bracket piece... if the latter, what is the part number or what is it called so I can search for it...

Everything went pretty flawlessly on the change, until my torque wrench wasn't wanting to click... I thought it was getting tight enough, but I wanted to make sure it was torque'd properly (40 f/lbs).... then it just snapped

I still was able to drive it to my shop and I'm having the battery charge overnight (while driving, my volts stayed pretty steady at 14.2... which I've never seen in my car because it has always fluctuated from 13.8 - 14.5)

Time for bed... thanks for all your guys' help.

2005.Neon.SXT · Post by **2005.Neon.SXT** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 7:47 pm

Problem solved. That bolt, in metric, is a M8 - 0.25. Length is 50mm. In case anyone ever needs that info.

Post by **occasional demons** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 8:33 pm

So wait, you tried to torque number 1 to 40 ft lbs?

Number two, maybe, but 40 seems a lot for even that. #1 is just to tighten the belt, #2 locks it in place. If this is not the case, disregard!

I have never actually torqued the lock down, just made sure it was nice and snug.

You must have posted after I logged off yesterday, because I totally missed this one.

2005.Neon.SXT · Post by **2005.Neon.SXT** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:05 pm

occasional demons wrote:So wait, you tried to torque number 1 to 40 ft lbs?

Number two, maybe, but 40 seems a lot for even that. #1 is just to tighten the belt, #2 locks it in place. If this is not the case, disregard!

I have never actually torqued the lock down, just made sure it was nice and snug.

You must have posted after I logged off yesterday, because I totally missed this one.

Ya, for some reason I feel like I was told that #1 needed to be torque'd... unsure of #2. Either way, my new alternator ('04 PT Cruiser 120 Amp) is working flawlessly, no flickering of lights, and I got that bolt replaced. Had to get the battery recharged since it got sucked dry the last 2 days. But after a full charge, with the car idling and headlights on, it reads at a steady 14.2 volts.

I hope this resolves the issue because that damn thing was $160 from Advance Auto

it was that or the 85 amp for $85.

Post by **occasional demons** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:16 pm

Well I hope you didn't crank #1 down too much. You only need to screw it in until the belt is sufficiently tight.

If you over tighten it, the belt will be stressed to the max, and you could wipe out a crank bearing or two. The alternator bearing isn't going to be happy either. I really don't know if 40 ft pounds could be achieved unless two was tight, then you would prolly twist it off again.

2005.Neon.SXT · Post by **2005.Neon.SXT** » Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:12 am

Ya it's sufficiently tight now. Bolts at Lowes are sold in pairs so I have a spare in the trunk. Thank goodness my lights don't flicker anymore... Guess I screwed something up 3 years ago when I put the JY alternator in =/ lol.