I replaced the alternator mount bushings here not too long ago, maybe two months? For some reason I used regular rubber for the alt, and urethane for the tension arm.
About a month ago I started getting some belt squeal, so I checked the belts, they were a bit loose. I thought it was odd, but figured the rubber alt mounts were settling in and egged a bit like they always do, so I just readjusted belt tension and went on.
Once again I started hearing a bit of squealing when cold or sometimes when I'd be releasing the clutch. I thought at first it was my harmonic balancer, but I marked the pulleys and the marks aren't moving.
The belts seemed a bit looser than I usually leave them, but they were still tight enough I didn't think they should be squealing. So I removed the AC compressor to inspect the water pump, and that's when I noticed the Urethane alt tensioner mounts were crumbling away and I could wiggle the arm back and forth.
The rubber alt mounts on the other hand, are still in perfect shape.
What gives? Is there something I should know about Urethane bushings? I thought they were supposed to be tougher than the factory rubber bushings? What would cause them to fail like that?
I'm peaved. I have to replace them now, (woot fun! :roll: ) plus I installed new belts when I did the bushings and they are probably toasted now. :x
About a month ago I started getting some belt squeal, so I checked the belts, they were a bit loose. I thought it was odd, but figured the rubber alt mounts were settling in and egged a bit like they always do, so I just readjusted belt tension and went on.
Once again I started hearing a bit of squealing when cold or sometimes when I'd be releasing the clutch. I thought at first it was my harmonic balancer, but I marked the pulleys and the marks aren't moving.
The belts seemed a bit looser than I usually leave them, but they were still tight enough I didn't think they should be squealing. So I removed the AC compressor to inspect the water pump, and that's when I noticed the Urethane alt tensioner mounts were crumbling away and I could wiggle the arm back and forth.
The rubber alt mounts on the other hand, are still in perfect shape.
What gives? Is there something I should know about Urethane bushings? I thought they were supposed to be tougher than the factory rubber bushings? What would cause them to fail like that?
I'm peaved. I have to replace them now, (woot fun! :roll: ) plus I installed new belts when I did the bushings and they are probably toasted now. :x