So I've had a funky rattle/harmonic vibration and ordered a new belt tensioner from Way since I've seen so many people have problems with it. Also had s starter going out. Spent the afternoon replacing the starter, Belt Tensionser and put on the new belt.

Checked the belt pathway it's right.

Start the car and something's not right.
I get the Battery warning light and no power steering.

And I have this NEW noise at idle...

Took the wheel and wheel well cover off, to recheck the belt pathway and its definitely correct.



Suggestions?? Did I kill the alternator with the new belt?

 

I get no video but what about the crank pulley/harmonic damper?

 

Did you disconnect (on accident) the P/S power wire while replacing the starter?

 

It was partly in his first sentence but there is no evidence he replaced or thought about that.

 

Sorry, relatively new Crank pulley/harmonic balancer from Way Motor Works. It went out about 18 months ago. It's turning and there are no OBD codes, so fairly sure it's not the issue. Original vibration would only occur around 1300 rpm. but it was not the noise you hear. That only started after the belt tensioner and belt were replaced

 

hmm... I'll go double check that. But that would just mean I have two issues right? it wouldn't be responsible for the alternator power failure?

 

New belt or tension should not kill your alternator, or your alternator does not deserve to live.

Typically it is pilot error. I suggest rechecking every electrical connection you touched. Do check the engine ground strap by the engine mount.

 

You did disconnect the negative battery post before you started working?

 

yep.

 

well put the new alternator on and then prior to starting was reinspecting the starter work that was done the evening before.

I did find a ground cable that my friend who was working from the top didn't reconnect. It was kind of hiding under the heat shield.

So recconnected that and solved the power steering, not sure if that was also the alternator issue. Since the new alternator was on, will just call it and move on.

As for that rattle, it's still there and most concerning, dropped the car off at my mini mechanic tonight to get a diagnosis tomorrow...