Broken mechanical parts! Need advice

[87blackroxi]

This is the second time this has happened in the past 2 months. A metal bracket broke! I'll try to explain what it is. (I just uploaded a couple pictures to my gallery that are awaiting approval, so i'll post them when they're ready). ok. standing on the left side of the car i'm looking at the alternator. right next to the alternator is another pulley connected to a (I think AIR pump). Well the bracket under the pump and the alternator broke in three places. the bracket bacisally connects the alternator and AIR pump together and bolts to the engine.
I can't figure this out. I was driving at normal speeds both time. Nothing has been modified to cause this. The only thing that was done was the A/C work (retrofitting). So what can cause this stress on the drivebelt that pulls so hard it cracks the bracket?

 

[Ken]

The only thing that was done was the A/C work (retrofitting).

Need more imformation.

 

[chevyaddict]

Gosh... I hope retrofitting doesn't cause problems... just today I had the IROC retrofitted!!!! Now I'm FFFRRREEZZZIIIINNNNGGGG! Its great. I'm curious about this though.... hopefully others will reply!

 

[74bigblock]

What kind of retro fit did you have done? Did it change the angle of or distance between pulleys? Even a half an inch can cause problems.

 

[87blackroxi]

Well, the A/C retrofitting was done at a corvette shop (not myself).
Here's from my original post when I was getting the work done.
"Ok everybody,
here's the list on the receipt:1 receiver dryer $63, 1 set of retrofit fittings $18, 2 cans of freon $35, labor $70, fan motor resistor $35.
So What does everyone think? Any Thoughts?"

With that said, 74bigblock may be onto something. It's wierd, when the a/c is turned on, it seems like the idle is more rough and choppy, so I am thinking now it might not be aligned too. This is the second time it broke. it even cracked the shell off the alternator. I am getting the part tomorrow and putting it together and the shop is going to take a look at it.

I have the pics in my gallery now. how do I put them in this thread?
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1397/password/bcd49c939c030ca0752ce8176f3fa84d/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1396/password/bcd49c939c030ca0752ce8176f3fa84d/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1398/password/bcd49c939c030ca0752ce8176f3fa84d/sort/1/size/medium/cat/500/page/1

Did this work?

 

[WhalePirot]

This is so wrong. When did this breakage occur, at installation or a while after?

Methinks that any misalignment would tend to throw the belt rather than cause the other symptoms.

Virtually all the other Vettes mentioned here have years/decades of running w/o broken brackets, yet you have two. Where on the scale is the indicator on your belt tensioner? The receipt does not mention a change in compressor, so I tend to believe that someone overpulled on the tensioner during the install, breaking the bracket.

The rough running may be related to the install, if a connector, sensor or hose was damaged or left disconnected.

I'm FFFRRREEZZZIIIINNNNGGGG!

Cool! Goose bumps on a Bowtie addict,in AZ, in the summer!
I have never been anywhere close to freezing in my C-4.

 

[87blackroxi]

This is so wrong. When did this breakage occur, at installation or a while after?
.

After the A/C was installed it happened about 3 weeks after. under normal driving conditions. after I fixed it the first time it lasted about 6 weeks. very, very odd.

 

[WhalePirot]

Perhaps they cracked it and the full-blown break happened later.

Don't replace that bracket (unless you want to buy another) until you check, at least, the tensioner's scale. To for two; going for three for three?

 

[87blackroxi]

Perhaps they cracked it and the full-blown break happened later.

Don't replace that bracket (unless you want to buy another) until you check, at least, the tensioner's scale. To for two; going for three for three?

Well, I ended up replacing the bracket this a.m. I drove it under 40mph the whole way to the shop and made it no problems. I am awaiting his call to see what it could be. I'll let y'all know when I hear.

 

[74bigblock]

Not to get off topic, but is that a halo your dog is wearing in your avatar pic?

 

[87blackroxi]

Interesting news on the break!

Not to get off topic, but is that a halo your dog is wearing in your avatar pic?

Well of course! She is an angel don't you know?


Back to the car. I picked it up today and received interesting news. The ownner told me that there was a bracket/brace that was missing that goes under the bracket that broke. So his assessment is that either when my headers were installed this bracket was never put back on. Or that it was missing for a while.
Makes me wonder!

 

[G Winter]

I agree. If a bracket is missing that braced the bracket that is breaking it is just having to support to much. A brace should never be eliminated. It was put there for a reason. How long ago were the headers put on? Could you go back to who did the work and maybe get the bracket ?