Hi everyone,

Quick question... my pickups break light and battery light comes on simultaneously with a belt squealing it usually happens then shuts off and then kicks back on and shuts off... this happens every time I drive it. Also my bright lights are not working and my dims seem overly dim.

I use this truck a lot and it hasn't had much for maintenance over the years. It's got ~170K. The tranny seemed like it was slipping so brought it in to get the tranny fluid changed and a new filter/pan gasket. It still seems to be delayed when shifting into drive or reverse but it does shift and once in gear it seems to drive fine. They also replaced the battery because they said it was dead.

I bought a new alternator but before I was going to install it I thought I should checked the voltage with a voltmeter... all values (engine off, running and running with a load) seem ok. The power steering pump has been leaking fluid so the alternator was caked. Bought some degreaser and tried cleaning it up a little but the issue persists.

Any ideas or thoughts? How difficult is it to change the power steering pump? I'm no mechanic but I could change the alternator.

Could the tranny be related to the other issues?

Thanks for any advice/comments!

 

In my experience (numerous times in the past 30 years) it was always the alternator.

 

You already have the alternator, I'd just replace it. Your problem is intermittent so your voltage readings will look okay until the squealing and issues happen.

 

The power steering pump is a lot easier than the alternator that sits below it. If it's bad and leaking change it 1st. Without it in place you might
be able to change the alternator from the top. If not, you have to go up from the bottom. That means removing the lower radiator hose. Plus, installing and tightening the top tensioner bolt is a huge pain to keep adequate pressure on the belt. No idler pulley for the alternator belt. Nothing complicated.

 

Excellent... thank you everyone. I appreciate all the advice. I'll let you know how it works out...

 

I have changed the alternator on my '87 and installed from the top many times w/o pulling the PS Pump. It ain't easy but it can be done.I also snug up the top and bottom alternator bolts a tad and use a soft piece of wood to tap the alternator to tighten the belt. Redneck but it works.