Thread: I went for a long drive...

...And my alternator almost fell off. I drove from Atlanta to Savannah about 230 miles. Don't really know how, but the nut and bolt on the alternator backed off. The alternator was just sitting there. I think I heard the bolt ping under my car about 30 minutes from my arrival. Check your bolts guys!

They tend to do that if installed incorrectly. The washer MUST go on a specific side otherwise they fall out from vibrations. I forget which side off the top of my head. I'd have to look at my car to be sure.

it's common. happen to me a while back.

Man you guys must be some pussies if you can't tighten that bolt enough lmao

Ive only had it happen once and that was back in 04 with my first se-r. First i heard the bolt hit the bottom of the car and ping down the freeway, then immediately heard the belt start screeching, then it stopped. Went to turn down the county road i lived off of and made the corner and bam bam bam scrape scrape scrape. Pulled over and my alternator was dragging on the ground. It completely broke off the left-side bottom leg of the alternator and broke the top bolt and fell to the ground.

I always make sure the pivot bolt w/ nut and upper bolt is always tight now. I dont use a washer on my pivot bolt I just tighten the hell out of it and have never had it come lose any time ive ever checked it.