Alternator Bolt
Alternator Bolt
Author
Discussion

Crazy of Cookham

Original Poster:

740 posts

284 months

Thursday 29th April 2004
quotequote all
The weekend took its toll on the bolt holding the Alternator. The bolt on bracket end sheared, luckily close to home. It was a great relief as I thought the noise was starter sticking as it became evident when I restarted the car.
Thanks again to factory new bolts arrived next morning and now fixed. (service second to none even when part not originally theirs)
Its worth keeping an eye on this. I was lucky as bolt was the external one and not the ones screwed into engine block.
Not sure of cause of failier only would say our local roads could be a testing ground for Panzer tanks.

Stig

11,823 posts

313 months

Thursday 29th April 2004
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On that subject Brian, it's also worth regularly checking the bracket too. If it distorts out of alignment it will do the alternator bearings in no time. This happened to mine and the alternator failed after just 500 miles! Again, A.S. replaced straight away with no quibbles. Excellent service.

I've got my suspicions about why yours failed. Just remind yourself with the vid. Ed took outside the pub

bluesatin

3,115 posts

301 months

Thursday 29th April 2004
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So if you don't slide the back end while leaving a pub the alternator bolt will brake. Must remember that one.

Chewy

257 posts

284 months

Thursday 29th April 2004
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Stig - can you share your suspicions.
My bottom Alternator bolt sheared off flush with the engine on Boxing Day about 40 miles from home. Luckily the battery and everything else held out until I got home. I had done about 7000 miles since June. It ended up an engine out job to extract and replace it. When I purchased new bolts from my local bolt specialist I asked for high tensile bolts and was told that the 'Socket Cap Screws' are High tensile as standard and my replacements were as the factory supplied with original kit. Everything appears to line up ok so I suppose I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed it doesn't happen again - a bit worrying though as it has clearly happened to a number of owners now.

Crazy of Cookham

Original Poster:

740 posts

284 months

Thursday 29th April 2004
quotequote all
Chewy. I agree the bolts originally used are supposed to be high tensile. American Speed are changing supplier. The ones I got from Ultima are thesame type but different manufacturer so hopefuuly OK.
Thanks Stig will check alignment, I don't think there was any distortion. I guess time will tell.
By the way is there some other way you are supposed to leave a pub?.

Stig

11,823 posts

313 months

Thursday 29th April 2004
quotequote all
Crazy of Cookham said:

By the way is there some other way you are supposed to leave a pub?.



Well, usually I'd say 'Pissed'

Though not whilst driving obviously.