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Should I replace my alternator?
I drive a 2004 Acura TL, my side passenger motor mount is worn out and is causing the serpentine belt to rub against it. Because of this the serpentine belt is failing to do its job of running the alternator, A/C and other components the serpentine belt is attached to. It is so bad that my A/C sometimes stops working and my battery dies cause the belt is pulling on the alternator correctly. I know that the motor mount definitely needs to be changed but my mechanic says I should also change the alternator. Mind you I just replaced the alternator in Dec of 2018 (about 2 years ago). When I change the mount and get the belt back into the correct position won’t the alternator be able to charge the battery again.
My batter does because the belt is NOT pulling on the alternator correctly.
My battery light was going on and off last month, leading up to my mechanics diagnosis I was driving the car home and my battery light came on and my car died leaving me stranded. Even with a jump the car wouldn’t stay running.
6 Answers
- Anonymous3 months ago
Your engine mount isn't worn out. It has failed! So CHANGE it!
Your explanation of what your mechanic supposedly said is very troubling.
Have some other mechanic replace your defective engine mount or MOUNTS!
If the belt has been injured, replace that too.
- Anonymous3 months ago
First problem is YOUR MECHANIC. You could do better yourself. Motor mount is nowhere near the serpentine belt as the belt drives the motor stuff and has nothing to do with the body...which it is mounted to.
Find any other mechanic than this one. He is guessing.
- Anonymous3 months ago
Replace the mount and CHECK the charging system before replacing the alternator.
- thebax2006Lv 73 months ago
A motor mount will not effect the drive belts. You have a bad idler or tensioner pulley. If the alternator is charging and the red battery charge warning light is not on don't replace the alternator. Find a real mechanic!
- falconry2Lv 73 months ago
As "Anonymous" points out, you have a PROBLEM creating an issue. Fix the problem with the mount as an ASAP priority, then replace the belt because of friction/wear and the alternator should be fine. You also have multiple options with the alternator; the first is to remove it and have it tested at a chain parts store for free on their bench tester. The second would be to get the mount and belt redone, and have however can test the battery and alternator in the shop real quick, they should have a trickle charger for the battery just in case anyway. The third option is to put everything together and drive the vehicle to a parts store and get the system draw tested for free. Worst case scenario would be the alternator does have a problem but since you replaced it, most remanufactured units have a limited lifetime warranty.
EDIT: As Bax says, it is more likely the tensioner pulley or something in the belt system causing the problem, can take it at face value you think it's the mount, and that could be bad enough to lean the engine maybe. The base problem is still the belt isn't tracking right, and that has to be addressed expeditiously be it the mount or other item.
- Anonymous3 months ago
Not sure why a motor mount would cause a problem like this but fix the problem causing the problem. There is no reason to replace what is not bad including the alternator. Sounds like you need to see a better mechanic as I question this one. Myself, if you have a broken motor mount I would not be driving the car.
