348 Alternator and alternator bearing

Do you need the sealed bearing or the outer pulley assembly? The bearings are easy: https://www.ricambiamerica.com/177436-bearing.html (in stock)

 

Tough to tell from a photo --- but my guess would be the bearing should suffice. Have your shop take it off, remove the snap ring, push out the bearing and then make a better informed decision.

 

Search the archives as someone did find a replacement Delco alternator, out of a pick up truck if I remember correctly.

 

Well there you have it.

 

Easier said than done! LOL Or am I missing something? I removed the snap ring but there's no way the bearing or the small housing that passes through it would budge. Would love to know other people's experinces??


Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The bearing and the centre piece are most likely press fit, not just snug fit. I would first try using suitable large sockets (or short pieces of pipe with large thick washers) and a long bolt through to pull the things out. If it doesn't work, you will need to take it to a workshop which has a hydraulic press.

 

Yep, tried that and thats the conclusion I came too. ! :-(

Fortunately I had a spare assembly so just used that and didnt bother in he end. Will take it to a workshop if I ever need to. The actual job I was doing was to replace the alternator bracket as someone prior to my ownership had snapped the casting so between the 2 units I came up with a good casting and a good bearing


Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

BTW Just a note of caution to anyone doing anything like this (replacing alternator belt etc) is that it is absolutely essential you undo the nut (or bolt in my case) that secures the bearing in place BEFORE yiu try and turn the adjuster bolt - pretty sure this is how the castings get snapped which I believe is quite a common problem and they are no longer available new :-(

So loosen nut/bolt securing bearing enough so it will move freely - make the adjust using adjust screw then re-tighten the nut/bolt once the belt is adjusted.

Little vid of the screw adjuster in action - needless to say I just wanted the casting - the bearing and housing are well passed their prime!



As mentioned elsewhere but worth remembering....tightening the adjuster ie clockwise pulls the bearing downwards so LOOSENS the belt, loosening the adjuster (anti-clockwise) pushes the bearing upwards and TIGHTENS the belt.

 

I think it is more likely that the bracket is broken because one may, by general logic but without checking how the tensioner adjustment works, try to "undo" (counterclockwise) the adjuster bolt. Of course, it tightens more and, thinking that the bolt threads have corroded/seized, one may continue "undoing" the bolt until a big "snappp". The nut in the centre should be quite obvious.

When I bought my 348, I saw that the bracket had been broken and welded (I replaced it with a new one).