alternator squeals

[sbx22]

350 with summit racing brand alternator 100 amp. I decided to one day clean up the compartment, wired 8 gauge from alt (+) to starter (+) instead of straight to battery. This makes the line longer obviously. Upgraded ground wires to 4 gauge, one from alt to frame, engine to frame, engine to chassis, battery (-) to frame. All connections to frame are to one connection point. One day driving, it was squealing only when gassing it. It was a cheap duralast brand from AutoZone that was cracking and getting rigid. Bought and installed gates alt belt $21.99. Now it squeals all the time now, makes my ears bleed. One thing I notice was that the alt pulley gets really hot. No smoke though. Are my bearings going out? The belt is on pretty firm with minimal movement.

[bd]

With the engine off, hook the alternator fan with your fingers, cushioning your fingers with a rag.  Try as hard as you can to turn the alternator pulley by hand.  If it rotates, the belt is loose.  Adjust the tension until you can no longer spin the alternator pulley by hand.

[sbx22]

Thanks for the tip. I will try that tomorrow.