Again, use the socket wrench to turn the tension pulley far enough so the 08 Saturn Astra serpentine belt replacement can be wrapped around the pulley. At home, testing may be done in one of two ways but requires some advanced knowledge of electrical circuits, using a multimeter and either bench or in car testing with the engine running. So one more item to buy when the tensioner starts to go. I am also just getting up to speed on this new stuff. What wasn't mentioned in your initial post to mislead anyone - leaving out loud belt squealing.
What is surprising to learn is that this type of pulley is now a service item. In May the car wouldn't start after I stopped for gas. Then get a shop to remove the old pulley with an impact wrench. As often as I've become introduced to 'new' parts and 'new' terminology, I find that familiarity with 'old school' terms still holds true to new school parts. Pull the alternator away from the engine using one hand so the belt gets tight. I found out after disassembly that my connector was oval and about 2cm x 1cm.
Massive amount of effort for simple replacement. Event though they seem to say that is a no no to interchange them. Guessing what a repair shop did is easy. Given the age of this car, I would go to parts house, with numbers from alternator in hand, get the correct alternator, the repair manual, and a new serpentine belt all at the same time. In any case, last week I was able to buy a used alternator from a wrecked Astra lucky find! They had told us that the there was something wrong with the alternator pulley I'm not too familiar with vehicle mechanics, so correct me if I say something weird , and the bolts were basically corroded and wouldn't come off. And have your battery checked unless you're certain it's good.
Belt flopping is another indication of a worn belt tensioner. A good battery on standby, no engine running, should show around 12. I finally just went by the dealership one day when I didn't have an appointment when it was really hot and humid out that always made the noise more pronounced and they finally heard it. I've really enjoyed participating in this forum, and wish the best to all Saturn Astra owners, especially those dealing with this issue. One screw, usually at the top but sometimes below the headlight, adjusts the headlight up and down. Either you're right or wrong.
The alternator did not show up. Removing the cables is done blindly as there is so little space. They kept the car for about a month and kept giving stupid excuses about the parts. When I first heard this noise I wanted to get it checked out but it took them two separate occasions to diagnose the noise. I got to the neighborhood, then the car sounded like it was pulling a string of aluminum cans along with it and started losing power when I'd give it gas. Cool videos of the pulleys in action.
You would think the tool would be widely distributed now but it still may not be. I think I am going the Suburu route. A blown fusible link wire between alternator and battery, faulty alternator or loose drive belt would be three things I would look into. Use your other hand and a wrench to tighten the nut and bolt on the front adjustable bracket. Alternator was only putting out 12v under load. I had it installed, then traded the car in towards a Mazda 3.
I am going to replace the alternator pulley with 55560294 this month as preventative maintenance. My guess is that could be a worn accessory belt tensioner or bad belt; both are easy to change. Less charging to the battery. My automatic transmission car had a solid metal alternator pulley I'm 99% sure that was a factory pulley. In the meantime, my pulley totally seized up and my car's been off the road for nearly two weeks. Something's fishy about your dealer. Once the 08 Saturn Astra serpentine belt replacement is around the tension pulley, release the socket wrench and allow the tension pulley to take up the slack on the Automotive Serpentine Belt Replacement.
I went back to Pep Boys. The generator's voltage regulator controls current to the rotor, thereby controlling the output voltage. I really want this alternator tested before I throw it away or get the core charge money back. I don't know policy but replacing just the pulley seems to be an excuse not to replace the alternator under warranty. Not only did I have to call repeatedly because the representative was unable to return my calls but when I do contact them, I'm informed that the part still hasn't shipped.