Bolt broke, belt came off...did it ruin anything?

mYseRgOesvrOOm · 05-09-2004, 11:16 PM

So yesterday, I started getting the signs of a bad alternator...again. My third one. So I've been pretty bummed because I have so much to do in less than a week. Luckily, I got mine from Kragen. So them bishes is gonna give me one for free. Well, so I thought.

I pop open the hood, tools ready to pry this thing out yet again. What do I notice? The belt is loose. Hmm. So I look at it more closely and realize, the belt isn't even on the pulleys. Oh sh*t! WTF happened!?!?!?

Well, upon futher investigation, I notice the bracket that connects the alternator and engine block to help tighten the belts has a bolt missing. Well, the bolt broke! So I have been driving with the belt off for quite a while. Not too much. As soon as I got home that day I decided not to keep going at it until it dies, like I have before.

But, I'm wondering. Did I ruin anything? Also, the brake light came on first. When I got on the freeway to come home it went off. Once I got off, the brake and battery light came on. Seeing this before, more times than I'd like, I knew there was a problem with the alternator.

So could I have ruined anything driving without this belt on? Just wondering. I'm working on the car as much as possible when parts keep coming in. So I'd like to tackle as much as I can while I'm under the hood. Anything to check for would be helpful as well.

Sorry for the long drawn out story. I've been really bored today. Hehe.

Thank you,
Jason

evilsr20degg · 05-10-2004, 12:20 AM

the belt just connects to the alt nothin g importans like the water pup so dont worry bou ti t

nismo91 · 05-10-2004, 12:47 AM

nah you didn't ruin anything! When you were driving without the belt all you were doing was driving on your battery life. Ok, maybe your battery will be drain but all you have to do is fix that bolt and get the belt connected again.

Once you start driving your car again your alternator will start to recharge your battery and life as you know it will be all good again.

When you saw your battery and engine light came on, that meant that there is a problem with the alternator. In your case it wasn't being charge due to the belt was not on.

9double8 · 05-10-2004, 01:32 AM

My alternator tightener (is that a word?) bolt broke also. But my belt never came off.

2nd Runner · 05-10-2004, 11:03 AM

I am rolling with no alternator right now. I have been through my second one going on third. Prior times my pulley seized up on me. I cannot figure it out... I didn't over tighten or undertighten so I wonder what gives?