Alternator noise
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Pearl Harbor HI
Alternator noise
I replaced my alernator today and the car runs so much quiter and smoother. it turns out the alteranator was on it's way out and making a whinning noise when the engine was spinning. I put an audio device on it(like the thing doctors use to check heart beat) and it was very easy to tell that the alternator was the problem. Just an heads-up to anyone who may have this problem in the future.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Re: Alternator noise (akisana)
Good tip. Mine was making the same type of noise (sounded like a supercharger almost). I ignored it for awhile and it ended up dying on me and leaving me stranded.......... :leaving:
Next time I'll replace it at first sign of trouble :yesnod:
Next time I'll replace it at first sign of trouble :yesnod:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Alternator noise (akisana)
That noise can occur when a rectifier diode shorts and the alternator will get VERY hot very quickly. It happened to me in 2 blocks going home from work and the noise quit when I unplugged the alternator. A new alternator fixed it.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Alternator noise (akisana)
I made a post a few weeks back for a tip and it was about the alternator bearings.I had a alt. shop replace the bearings for me and the alternator is like new again.It was also much cheaper than springing for a new/reman one.If the alternator is still charging good and has bearing nosie,you can get them replaced fairly cheap.About 20-30 bucks for new bearings installed is about what most places charge.They also gave me a tear down diagnosis and everything was good so I did get lucky by just by needing new bearing only.
They were honest enough to not try and lie and say I needed a full rebuild.
:)
They were honest enough to not try and lie and say I needed a full rebuild.
:)
