replacing vibrating alternator belt, ...finally found the annoying noise from the engine. Options

[axelrduvirage]

my alternator belt is flapping in the breeze. i tried for months at the end of last fall to determine the loud humming, vibrating noise coming from the engine bay. i thought is was internal ($.$$) so i really tried to ignore it as long as the engine was holding up...if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!! it was still there louder than ever this week. i have tried tightening it, no results. i have tried loosening it, still no results. could it be stretched, lost it's elasticity? anyway, the question is are there better belts than others? is there a superior brand name i should look for or is a Toyota part best for my Toyota? how critical is the tension on a belt? will i need a tensiometer or can i just measure (guess) deflection to get good results?



thanks for your thoughts and counsel on this.



r.

[trdproven]

There is a tension tool but however, there is still a traditional way of measuring, I forgot the details but it was something dealing with a ruler.