[hpaulb]

Was fighting this problem for a long time and ended up with a silly fix. Belt always felt tight. At least the same as every car i do. Was always running off the battery and never charging. If the pully spins withount noise and no side to side movement. Bearings are good. Replace the brush assembly. Get them locally at any alternator place. I got mine at the local parts guy. Common Bosch part. Cost me $30 and two minutes to put it in. Final result was to tighten the belt more. All is good. Replace belt if worn or feels to smoth.