1999 Geo Metro LSI from North America - Comments

I love the metro. I believe the squealing alternator problem is a manufacturing defect. When you turn the pulley by hand, after the belt snaps, it turns hard. I noticed this the first time after the car sat for a month. I actually had to use large pliers and oil to get it going again. I have a new rebuilt alternator and it started doing the same thing after 2 weeks. Luckily, it is a lifetime warranty because I suspect I will be going through a few of them before I get one that does not drag on the belt.

Uh, did you ever consider the possibility that your belt is just too tight, either because it is being installed improperly or your belt tensioner is not working, which is wearing out the bearings in the alternator?

Just a thought.

It seems that alternator problems do exist with the Metros. I finally wore out an alternator after 183,000 miles with the squealing beginning at about 180,000 and when first started. The squealing stopped after it warmed up. During this time the lights would dim, the wipers would drag and electrical system was just running off battery power. After the squealing stopped, all electrical systems returned to normal. I bought a rebuilt alternator and it began squealing almost immediately after installation. Same electrical activity as above. It finally froze up and destroyed the belt. Replaced it with another one and it squealed when first installed but I put an ohm meter on the battery and adjusted the belt to eliminate the squeal and also read a charge on the meter. The alternator will not charge when squealing. I have to monitor this situation periodically and adjust the belt to achieve voltage output as well as eliminate the squeal. I suspect something somewhat loose in the bearing specifications as this alternator will not charge when running somewhat slack, will squeal when tightened up a bit and will not charge, and when tightened up with ohm meter attached to the battery will show a charge as the belt is tightened just past the squeal. The armature probably is being cocked just a little in the housing which accounts for the squeal and the lack of charging. The bearings being used in the rebuild are probably a little looser in their specifications than a new one or else they are not being replaced at all. I have actually been through 3 alternators displaying this same problem. I have my original alternator and, when I get a chance, will take it apart and try to determine what is causing the squeal. I will log an answer when I come up with a cause.