I don't know much about cars, but I come here often to solve a lot of problems. Hopefully someone can lead me in the right direction.

My car started screeching yesterday as I drove home. It only happened when I pressed on the gas. I was told it was probably loose or worn V-belts. After inspecting, I found that something is loose. Like one of the pulleys or something. It seems like it's missing a major screw. Here are some pictures:

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/1622/img2461u.jpg

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/156/img2462y.jpg

I can grab that whole pulley and wiggle it. Doesn't seem like a good thing. Can anyone tell me what I need? I'd appreciate any help you guys!

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That bolt that's sticking out through the open slot in the bracket is the way you tighten your alternator belt. Tighten that bolt until the belt is as tight as it should be and you should be fine. If it is tough to tighten, loosen the bolt going into the same block as the one in the picture so that the alternator can slide. When the alternator is in position, tighten the bolt holding the bracket against the adjustment assembly.

 

Looking closer at the pics, it looks like you might have lost the bolt holding the bracket against the adjustment assembly.

 

that happened to someone else not to long ago. That bolt was missing. Odd....

 

Anyone know where I can get that bolt or what size it is? sad.gif

 

I used a long bolt and a lockwasher & nut on the other side. It doesn't have to be a particular size if you don't use the threads inside the block. This only requires a slight need for a third hand when tightening the alternator belt, but it's better than not having a functional alternator.

 

Yup, been there done that. Get it fixed now or else you can get a $500 repair bill... Like I did. Apparently mine came off even farther and messed stuff up down there. Seriously uncool.

In the second picture, just above and to the right of where you're pointing, there's another hole for a bolt that is currently missing. The tensioning bolt you're pointing at can tighten and keep it there until you get to the store. But you really need to get a bolt in that missing spot. There's no thread that I know of, just get a big bolt (I believe mine had a 14mm-ish head?) and a nut to match. BE SURE to get a lock washer, or possibly a locknut so it doesn't fall off. I've had 2 fall out on me.
That bolt will then secure your alt in place and cure your squealing. It will also preven the belt from coming off (which happened to my wife and left her car dead on the side of the road), and prevent your car from losing electrical power. Gauging by the apparent dust around there, the belt has been jumping around a bit and has been getting chewed up. As long as your alt is already loose, I'd definitely change that belt.