Could not find the Olds in Western NY, so I bought a gator back belt and installed it. While it did cost $32.99 plus tax, it cured the noise. Now it is nice and quite, well the belt is. I have other noises, so I'll try another thread for those (since they are not related to the alternator replacement).

 

Did you disconnect the battery first? And also, what's this I have read about GM cars needing a code for the stereo if the power is cut?

 

I'm not sure on what years but, alot of your stereos now a days have an anti-theft code. So if the radio is stolen (removed from power) there's a code you have to put in to get it to power on. It's a theft detourant and there's no "Dealer Code" you'll usually have to take it back to a dealership which in turn will probably send it out somewhere for them to whipe the eeprom on there and reset it back...but... try all the obvious ones.. 0000 1111 2222 and so on....

 

ya there was a code on mine but it said it in the owners manual for mine

 

I replaced mine a couple years ago. It's easy. It's only held on by two bolts I think. 15mm if I remember right. Anyway, take the tension off of your tensioner pulley with a pry bar or something like that to slip the belt off. Take out the bolts, disconnect the wire connector in the back of the alternator, and there you go. You should probably change the belt while you're at it. It only costs about $10 for a new one, and it's well worth it to change. It should take you less than 30 minutes to do the whole job.

 

Mine was 2 bolts holding alternator onto bracket and then one on the back goin' to a stablizer bar that went to the side of the block.. VERY easily accessed.... 20 min. I think it took me... I wish ALL cars were that easy to change the alternator.....HAHAHAHA

 

I second that.

It was nice to work at arms reach and not upside down on a stone driveway. I have those big R/R size rocks in the barn.

 

I have gotten pretty good at replaceing my alternator. I bought a rebuilt one and about every 10 months it starts squeeking again. Luckilly I only paid for it once.