Rep Power: 0

Just replaced my alternator, the smoke is gone and as everyone suggested it was just the PB blaster burning off. Thanks again for helping me reason through it. A test of the replaced alternator at Autozone shows voltage measurements now look good so I believe it is working properly.

Except, now I have a squealing noise, I am figuring one of the belts isn't the right tension (probably too loose), but when plucking them they both feel snug so I am reluctant to tighten either without trying to decipher which one it is. For context, I hand tightened the wing nuts and then use the pliers to tighten 1-2 more turns each.

Is there telltale clues to figure out which belt is the culprit for squeals?

The squealing occurs primarily first thing in the morning as I pull out of the driveway and until I go around the corner from my house. There is a little squealing here and there after but that first 30 seconds of squeals basically wakes the dead.

Thank you for any insights.

 
Rep Power: 0

Update: Ugh. It must be the alternator belt.

While driving I tried turning the dial on the air system inside the vehicle and the squeal corresponded directly to it. Turning it off, and the squeal stopped immediately. So I guess I will have to remove the power steering again to readjust the lower belt.

lol let me be a lesson, triple check that belt tension before proceeding.

 
Rep Power: 222

Also after installing a new belt you usually have to readjust it after a little bit because the belt stretches