MX5 NA Miata - How to replace your alternator belt

[@1801infarctus]

thx a lot for this absolutely complete video. it helped me a lot these past days since my belt snapped on the highway. very complete, very clear. and it worked perfectly for my Na 1.8 the only difference was that dynamo nut that was behind for 1.8 n’a (the one you talked about for nb) but not that difficult to reach it can be reachable even without going under the car. just 2 things : long ratchets are mandatory. you need force. and long 14mm sockets are absolutely necessary too. you can not do the job without these 2 elements

[@MiataMods]

Great tips, thanks for the feedback Arthur!

[@redevelop]

both my belts disintegrated on the highway today and found this video xD

[@1801infarctus]

@@redevelop it can be interesting to know how to do this emergency job sometimes 🤣 Take your time the first time, then it will be a 30 min job

[@motiejus8805]

I have bought a new alternator belt three weeks ago and keep procrastinating.This post is the sign that I need get my shit together

[@MiataMods]

This video is all you need to do this job bro! Watch it en just go do it! Check the vid description for all the parts you need. Maybe you need to go to the hardware store. Do you have a NA or NB?

[@motiejus8805]

I have NA miata

[@kitblack2789]

i subscribed immediately after the heat gun joke. i have a 1991 and i am going to install a rotrex super charger. i'm an old dude so this will be my last hotrod. i may have to use you for a resource occasionally. really enjoyed this.

[@MiataMods]

Thanks for the compliment and nice to hear you liked the joke 😉 Good luck with your supercharger build!

[@mrg00dk4t]

I need to spend some k's on getting rid of ths fkn rust soon. Videos like these make the payment much easier for me knowing there will be plenty of perfect information for me.

[@MiataMods]

Yeah me too... I've been putting it off for a few years now but I really need to address that problem

[@MiataMods]

If you've already seen my video on how to replace the accessory belt you can skip from 00:50 to 06:40. Sorry for the repetitive content guys but that content was necessary to make this a complete video with all the steps you need to go through in order to replace the alternator belt. I hope this video was still useful!

[@brockburk6797]

You had the best camera angle and this video wasn’t even really the topic of what I needed but thank you anyways you just saved me😂

[@MiataMods]

Haha now I'm curious, what did you needed to see? 😜

[@woodensauce1063]

Just did this job and only advice I can give is if you’re having issues with the bottom alternator pivot bolt, I used an offset 14mm wrench (looks bent towards the head). Gives amazing clearance and grip down there. I did this on a 1.8 NA that has the same design as the NB pivot bolt.

[@MiataMods]

That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@billiamrobert]

I just want to thank you for this excellent video instruction. You made everything so clear. I found it invaluable this week afte my NA (with neither aircon nor power steering ) started squealing. The only problem not covered was how to wind the new belt on to the alternator drive. I worked that one myself by use of a large socket on the altenator nut. Probably obvious to most folk but I had to work that one out for myself. Thanks again!

[@MiataMods]

No problem, glad my video was helpful!

[@samlee9310]

I can tell tons of effort you put on this video, thx for the tutoring, and keep up the good work !

[@MiataMods]

Thanks Sam, I appreciate that!

[@GIUSAF]

Thanks for this awesome demonstration man! Gotta replace my alternator belt today and this definitely helped!

[@MiataMods]

No worries, hope the job went well!

[@GamerBoi_J]

Thank you for the video, helped me when my belt snapped on the way to work.

[@MiataMods]

Damn that sucks. Did you make it to work tho?

[@ash3804]

Just did it myself on my N.A thanks for going into detail step by step!

[@MiataMods]

No problem Ash, glad my video was helpful!

[@ryancastillo5654]

i just got done with this replacement job on a NA Miata 93. when i turned on the car and took it for a spin, i noticed a new whistle. it's not the horrible sound of a loose alternator belt, but more like the whistle from a turbo. I do believe i tightened the alternator belt a bit too much. i read a couple reddit posts and a lot of them say that exact sound is from being over tightened. Tomorrow i plan on loosening the tensioner just a bit. let's hope that is the issue i'm having. will keep you updated.

[@ryancastillo5654]

Update: I loosened the alternator belt just a bit. But whistle sound continues. I really cant tell if the noise has lessened. I'll keep loosening the belt as the days go by to see if the whistle is fixed.

[@MiataMods]

The whistle could be the belt itself! The belt with teeth (the one I have as well) is known for whistling. Did you find the issue?

[@ryancastillo5654]

@@MiataMods I ended up loosening the tensioner everyday until the noise was barely noticed. Now you cant really tell the noise apart from the engine.

[@wtfisakilometer6999]

I know this video is old but have you gotten new sway bars since then?

[@MiataMods]

Nope, still have those rusty OEM ones

[@wtfisakilometer6999]

Haha me too, I think I’m going to get the flyin Miata coilovers and sway bars!

[@KanwalSingh1]

Good video mate. I can actually the alternator pivot bolt from up top and even torque it from up top without having to jack up car. Just did this today.

[@CarBore]

Awesome content as always sir. Love checking out how you've done something the correct way either before or after I've made a mess of it myself 😂

[@MiataMods]

Thanks man! Good luck with replacing the belt!

[@Sigmaruler0199]

since i have an a/c pully as well would anything change?

[@MiataMods]

Not really, only the length of the belt

[@MrClassicT]

Love the new intro! :)

[@MiataMods]

Thanks for the feedback, I'm very happy with it! Short and simple 💪

[@MrClassicT]

@@MiataMods exactly! :)

[@barrygardner67]

I've been a subscriber for a while and always liked your videos. I've found that it's finally time for me to replace the belts on my NA 1.6. Just before I saw this, I found another video on replacing the belts that was in a word, terrible. I read some of that guys comments, thanking him and saying how great it was but in truth, there was no explanation, his camera was all over the place, anywhere except where it needed to be and for the first 3 minutes or so, he didn't even say anything! I couldn't sit through it! Your video was extremely well done, as all your videos are! Very detailed, step by step instructions including every clamp, bolt and nut! (or every nut and bolt) I thought this job was going to be awful to do but you show once you free up the stuck parts, it's easy! Thank you so much for this and your commitment to detail!

[@MiataMods]

Wow Barry, thanks for your awesome reply! I try to do my best so you guys can follow along and it's great to get this sort of feedback! Thanks for subscribing!

[@grandtheftauto1233]

Hello i have a question I noticed the tensioner bolt at 10:54 on my Miata is not set in the bracket and I noticed the belt is very loose (can turn belt or pulleys by hand) Do I need to loosen the lower alt bolt then reset the tension by correctly seating the tension bolt again, then with proper tension, tighten the lower alt bolt? Thanks!

[@MiataMods]

Yes, that it what you should do!

[@grandtheftauto1233]

@@MiataMods thanks ! Turns out my pivot bolt was missing the nut on the back. It wore out the hole on the alternator. Thankfully the block hole is not worn significantly

[@MiataMods]

Ah ok! 💪

[@nolanpinel1016]

Thank you a lot for the easy to follow video! You just earned a sub

[@MiataMods]

No problem and thanks for the sub!

[@mihaiserbanescu8676]

I think mine doesn`t have a 14mm nut in the front and the back bolt may be starting to round off. I don`t know what I`m going to do because I need to do the timing belt and this is in the way.

[@ross6155]

Same issue here, did you sort it?

[@mihaiserbanescu8676]

@@ross6155 yes, the key thing to do is to get a socket around the bolt that is at the back, because it has more points of grip. Make sure you set it straight on the bolt or it may slip. Then you'll be able to turn very very slowly. A second way to do it is to jack up the car, remove the engine tray and then you'll have all the access you need from underneath

[@ross6155]

@@mihaiserbanescu8676 did you use a 3/8? I can only seem to fit a 1/4 on mine and i just can’t get the force to crack it

[@mihaiserbanescu8676]

@@ross6155 I used 1/4 inch. Put it into a position where you have a big leverage, or from the bottom, or give it a few shocks, like with the palm, hit the wrachet

[@mihaiserbanescu8676]

@@ross6155 you can also use a ratcheting wrench.

[@ben-de7uf]

Did you need to drain any liquids for this?

[@MiataMods]

You do not

[@bullet_miata]

The camera angles makes everything easier to see

[@MiataMods]

Thanks! I always try to get the best angle so you can guys can follow along

[@jonpwn]

This is my first time hearing about the "quarter turn" tightness check. May I ask where you got that specification from?

[@MiataMods]

Haha yeah that's the problem, it's not specific. It is just based on my experience and how it 'feels' when I'm tightening down nuts and/or bolts

[@-atnx7-]

Anyone know the specs for the pivot nut that holds the bolt in place??

[@MiataMods]

You mean the size? Or length because you want to buy a new one?

[@morganlewis2667]

The mx-5 NA8C which 1.8 L engine from 1994 on has the pivot bolt access only from the rear. This is much more difficult and if the steel bolt is frozen in the aluminum housing of the alt. , the best way is to remove the intake manifold brace to make room for a 14mm socket. Actually this temporary removal and replacement is quite easy and will allow more room for a wrench. Use penetrating oil and wait as a matter of course.

[@MiataMods]

Thanks for sharing this info Morgan!

[@CancelledMcCree]

Very easy to follow video. Im certainly subscribing :) thank you so much!

[@MiataMods]

And thank you for subscribing!

[@jcaterracing]

Quick note on this (especially for NB owners with that bolt on the back of the alternator) - you CAN do it without loosening that bolt just about. I've done it twice now as couldn't get the damned thing undone! This also means you can do it without the car jacked up or on a ramp - but a ramp is still easier to get that belt on and off.

[@MiataMods]

Agreed, if you’re lucky you don’t need to pivot the alternator. Thanks for sharing your two cents!

[@janboblarry]

That back bolt kicked my ass whwn i had to replace the alternator..🫠 Good to know i only need to focus on that one but horrible spot to place a bolt 😒. Our oul filter is also a massive pain in the ass. But i love my NB. Thanks for sharing

[@KeoghDave]

What tyres are you running i this bad boy?

[@MiataMods]

JR-Wheels JR11 Hyper Black 15x8 ET25 with 195/45 tires

[@reallyanti]

My channel is basically the opposite of yours lol but I still think you're my favorite Miata channel on KZbin

[@MiataMods]

Thanks man! Good luck with your new project car!

[@mikeyb817]

I got my first car a few months ago a Miata 93 and I have no clue what I'm doing when it comes to under the hood but thanks for the video makes it so much easier knowing how to take this apart my belts so loose and I'm not paying 100s of dollars for a 100$ fix probably if I do it myself also ya boi broke asf 😂 so I can't be

[@MiataMods]

Welcome to the Miata family bro! Glad my vid was helpful!

[@christo_vas]

Do you have a video on your intake?

[@MiataMods]

I do! Check out the video description!

[@01Chris02]

Noticing the overspray on the undertray - was your mx5 repainted at some point? Love from Northern Ireland x

[@MiataMods]

I guess so... I've owned the car for six years now but I've never noticed it haha!

[@tablesauce]

Great detail and explanation, can’t thank you enough

[@MiataMods]

No problem Ramy!

[@Hikikomori_ika]

Hey! I have a question! My alternator belt is from factory and doesn’t have serrations like the one in the video. Is it still okay to use the type of belt you used in the video, or do I have to use the solid, almost square-like belt that MAZDA used on the car?

[@MiataMods]

It depends on the pulleys. I've used a V shaped belt because that matches with my pulleys. If you have a 'flat' belt you can't switch over to the V shaped belt I've used. Getting the same belt as the one you have right now would be your best bet

[@shanesweeney5959]

Tell me why half these bolts on my car are backwards lol. The long bolt behind the power steering pulley is nut on the back side. My bottom alternator bolt goes in from the back side and there’s no nut on the front. Same with the 12mm before the alternator tensioner lol. I swear it was the dude who had it before me

[@MiataMods]

Yeah that's probably the previous owner 😅

[@wilsonjara1243]

Is it the same belt sizes? Or they are little different

[@MiataMods]

They are different

[@davidchandler8881]

Thanks that video was very useful.

[@MiataMods]

Great to hear David, good luck 👍

[@basharalgahim63]

I've replaced my belt a few times now every time I tighten it is there any tips or suggestions you have when I tighten it I've done all those tricks and it still squeals and breaks off.

[@MiataMods]

Sounds like you are overtightening the belts, or maybe you have a pully problem. Did you check if every pully is moving freely?

[@mikehuteson1820]

I was able to do it on my NA with just the two top bolts

[@mikehuteson1820]

All done from the top of the hood

[@MiataMods]

Good for you my man 👍

[@nlede21]

Is he going live or something

[@MiataMods]

Yes Nathan, I was live bruh! Join the next premiere so we watch the video together and we can chat!

[@zacallcock8748]

Why does the alternator belt have teeth?

[@MiataMods]

Because the belt needs to go around the small pulley and the grooves leave room for the belt to 'flex'. It maximizes flexibility and minimizes heat built-up.

[@bundazliga9618]

Having an NB makes me wanna kill myself because of the alternator bolt lmao

[@MiataMods]

Did nobody tell you the NA is superior when you were out looking for a Miata? 😆

[@artmcewen3165]

Great video, thanks! Except you don’t show how to get the alternator belt past the tiny gap between the water pump pulley and the thermostat housing. Grrr

[@MiataMods]

I'm not sure why that would be a problem. Just start with the waterpump pulley, the belt will slide on without a problem, that gap is not that tiny!

[@artmcewen3165]

@@MiataMods I think it’s a tighter fit on the 1.6. Tried it again after lunch and found the right angle! All good.

[@MiataMods]

I got a 1.6 as well but never mind, you got it working and that’s what matters 💪

[@merlyn2121]

Dude sticking a timing belt on his alternator.

[@MiataMods]

Hell yeah bro, next up is oil in the coolant system and coolant in oil system, let’s gooo

[@merlyn2121]

@@MiataMods noice!

[@GIUSAF]

@@MiataModsLOL