My alternator screams at idle and when taking when the engine is cold. it also does the same thing when I have an electrical load on it, like the air conditioner. I was in the process of replacing it until I ran into whatever type of bolt they used for the lower alternator mounting. I've tried torx bits but none of them seem to fit properly. The Suzuki dealer just played dumb with me and said he had no idea what is was. I'd bet good money he'd know if I coughed up $400.00 - $500.00 for repairs. I've always got excellent information here, so I'm hoping someone has been through this before and help me out.
Richard

I posed this exact question a few months ago. 

cricket....cricket...cricket....

I finally parked outside a Sears and spent a half hour buying and returning stuff until I found the right thing.  The answer to which, now that you're asking, I can't recall.  I'll give it a look tonight.

Hopefully yours has the same wacky bolt that the 2.7's has. 


Edit:  My original post....     http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=20235

Thank you for your reply, any info would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure it's the same pivot bolt that's on your XL. When I get it out, I'm going to replace it with a "normal" hex head bolt!!!!
Richard

My alternator screams at idle

Are you sure that it isn't just a loose, oil covered or worn belt? 

I installed both new belts a month ago. It was shortly after that when the problem started. I'm thinking that the alternator bearings were marginal and the additional tension of the new belt was too much of a strain for them. The other times it squeals is at idle with a heavy electrical load on it, like the air conditioning. So far, no one has any information on the bolt. I quess that I'll hang outside an auto parts store and buy and return tools until I find something that fits. I'm definitely installing a normal hex bolt when and if I get the old one out.
Richard

So far, no one has any information on the bolt. Richard

Yeah, sorry about that.  I grabbed the top two "socket" drivers from the tool box and tried them, but the one that sorta fit (T-45) didn't seem to really fit.  Haven't had a chance to dig around and find the tool I must have actually used yet.  I did throw the extend-a-mirror in the car in case I get an opportunity to eyeball it at some point here, though.

The bolt appears to be a #50 TORX. 

Check...

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/1g-1999-2005-vitara-grand-vitara/17501-2-5l-alternator-belt-help.html