i was tightening the alternator belts today because they have been squealing lately. not too tight as i do not want to wear out the watrpump and alternators bearing prematurely.

after finishing this i started the engine and standing on the passenger side look down towards the spinning alternator belts it is obvious the pulleys on the alternator and the pulleys on the water pump are ever so slight out of align.

with the engine stopped i can push the alternator back towards the firewall slightly which i think makes up this alignment issue.

question:

could this play be caused by wornout alternator bushings on the on the bolt that attaches the alternator to the block?

should i just this get slide for now?

charging is fine and up to eletrcial specs
the belts are in good order and turn within their pulley channels although the inner belt tends to ride the outer (fan) edge of its channel..... the result of this play in the alternator.