alternator decoupler Archives - UnderhoodService
VIDEO: What Wears Inside A Decoupler Pulley?

We show you what’s inside both OAP and OAD decoupler pulleys. This video is sponsored by Litens.

VIDEO: Check Tensioner Health By ‘Minding The Gap’

Andrew Markel goes over tips to visually inspect a belt tensioner, including how to tell if the belt is running uneven. Sponsored by Litens.

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Alternator Testing: What Is The Correct Voltage?

For some alternators, it’s normal to see as low as 13 volts. For some, a constant 13.6 volts is an indication of a problem. For others, it’s normal to see as high as 16 volts for long stretches. Still, it’s perfectly normal for others to see the alternator not charge at all intermittently.

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VW Beetle, Golf And Jetta: Broken Tensioner, Root Cause Of Failure Is Alternator Pulley

This type of failure is the result of severe vibrations in the accessory belt drive system. While a broken tensioner may be the result, the root cause often lies elsewhere in the system.

Selling the Complete Serpentine Belt Job

Technicians and customers have pretty much accepted that the accessory serpentine drive belt should be replaced between 90,000 to 100,000 miles. It is a “slam dunk” sale to just replace the belt, but does that replacement belt have the same chance to survive the same mileage? Chances are in the next 90,000 to 100,000 miles

Serpentine belt inspection