Today, my alternation/water pump fan belt flew off and I was stranded on the side of the road (thank God for gauges..caught it before it overheated). Anyway, I just checked the belt tension/condition about a week ago and everything was OK! I had my Vette towed to the local Chevy dealership for repairs where I have taken it for the past 2 years...they specialize in Vettes...both sales & service. They indicated that the aftermarket, chrome alternator bracket caused the belt to fly off due to mis-alignment. Aparently it was off enough to cause the belt to fly off...similar to a bicycle chain if the gears are mis-aligned. They recommended the GM bracket for the alternator and said this would eliminate any future "flyoff" problems. I went ahead and purchased it ($81) and had it installed. QUESTION: does having a GM bracket really make that much of a difference. I have heard of aftermarket items either REALLY working well or not worth s*** due to the lack of quality control. I have purchased (in the past) after market weatherstriping for the convertible top of mine....did not fit very well...ordered a GM weatherstrip and it fit like a glove......What are ya'lls experiences....THANKS!!!! :confused:

 

I do believe that is a chance you always take with any after market product, may it be for automotive or motorcycle applications. Too many times it just doesn't do right. If the O.E.M bracket doesn't solve the problem then the servicer will have to explain why...... For $81.00 I say its worth a try.

I have a home made alternator bracket on my big block, no problems with allignment.

 

I would be willing to bet that the aftermarket one was thinner and was of a softer steel causing the alt. to flex on it's mounting, tossing the belt.

 

I have an aluminum Zoops adjustable bracket. So far no problems.

 

Who installed the "bad" bracket? If it was you then you should have made sure that the pulleys were in alignment...... If it was a shop then don't give them anymore business.

[QUOTE]I have heard of aftermarket items either REALLY working well or not worth s*** due to the lack of quality control.[QUOTE]

More urban legend! Has nothing to do with quality control. Most aftermarket parts are made to fit a variety of cars/engines, etc. so of course they might be different than what GM used in any specific year on any specific car. That's the chance you take if you go that route.




[Modified by KenSny, 8:23 AM 3/20/2004]

 

What is the condition of the bottom cast iron bracket? On my 73 SB The alternator belt kept coming off. After the fifth or sixth time I notice the pulleys were still not aligned. It seemed that the final torquing of the bottom bracket bolt twist the alternator. Once the bottm bracket was removed I notice the bolt hole was oval not round. Once the hole was bushed and the bracket was reinstalled no more belt problems.
Roger

 

NICE looking car!!! :steering: I don't know how many belts your '75 has but my '73 454 P/S A/C car has 4 belts, and I've never been ecstatic with the belt alignment, I'll get three looking good, then the 4th is way off! VERY frustrating! :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: