Alternator Problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 18
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Alternator Problem
My alternator is making a "chirping bird" noise that increases as I accelerate - idling or driving. I think I need a new alternator. Any other opinions are appreciated - I haven't had a shop check it out yet. 
Team Owner
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C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
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From: Las Vegas NV
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Pearland / Houston Tx
It could be the alternator. I had a noise it that area that i couldn't pin down. Used a mechanics stethoscope to see if it was PS pump or alt.
Still couldn't tell and, of course while on an out of town trip, the alternator pulley started wobbling with noise getting louder. On my way to try to find a parts store, the front bearing finally completely failed to the point of knocking out the alternator output.
Still couldn't tell and, of course while on an out of town trip, the alternator pulley started wobbling with noise getting louder. On my way to try to find a parts store, the front bearing finally completely failed to the point of knocking out the alternator output.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Maybe the A/C tensioner???
It could be the alternator. I had a noise it that area that i couldn't pin down. Used a mechanics stethoscope to see if it was PS pump or alt.
Still couldn't tell and, of course while on an out of town trip, the alternator pulley started wobbling with noise getting louder. On my way to try to find a parts store, the front bearing finally completely failed to the point of knocking out the alternator output.
Still couldn't tell and, of course while on an out of town trip, the alternator pulley started wobbling with noise getting louder. On my way to try to find a parts store, the front bearing finally completely failed to the point of knocking out the alternator output.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 285
Likes: 6
Dude....... Remove the accessory belt, place a long screwdriver against each accessory, works like a stethoscope. Now turn the pulleys , each bearing should not make any noise as you spin by hand.
Also check the belt for oil or antifreeze contamination. Thie can also caure squeeking/squeeling sounds.
Good luck.
Also check the belt for oil or antifreeze contamination. Thie can also caure squeeking/squeeling sounds.
Good luck.
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From: Edgewood Washington
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Dude....... Remove the accessory belt, place a long screwdriver against each accessory, works like a stethoscope. Now turn the pulleys , each bearing should not make any noise as you spin by hand.
Also check the belt for oil or antifreeze contamination. Thie can also caure squeeking/squeeling sounds.
Good luck.
Also check the belt for oil or antifreeze contamination. Thie can also caure squeeking/squeeling sounds.
Good luck.
Wow, old-school screwdriver to the ear trick.
Don't you know all us modern Vette guys have electronic probes to listen to our cars using our IPAD's??!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,463
Likes: 1,138
From: Chino CA
I replaced my alternator when the bearing started to go out. Made a chirping sound. Removed the belt and spun all the pulleys with an auto stethoscope and singled out the alternator. It was still charging fine but I replaced it. Chirping is gone. Pretty sure it is not a big deal to replace that bearing but I just replaced the alternator. Took about 20 minutes. Good luck.
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Hate to say it, but GM does tend to use bearing greased on the sparing side. It not only the alternator bearings, but the idler and tension pulley bearings for the belts as well.
As for the bearings, they are cleanable/re-greaseable if caught soon enough as they go dry; before they wear out instead.
As for the valeo alternator, a rebuild kit is around $45, which includes a new slip ring, brushes, and both front and back bearings.
For about $15 more, you can get the voltage regulator with the bushes pre-installed, instead of just a new pair of brushes to replace the worn one in your old voltage regulator.
As for it if just the bearing starting to squeak, no parts really needed,and it just the bearings that need to be pulled to be cleaned and re greased instead.
As for the bearings, they are cleanable/re-greaseable if caught soon enough as they go dry; before they wear out instead.
As for the valeo alternator, a rebuild kit is around $45, which includes a new slip ring, brushes, and both front and back bearings.
For about $15 more, you can get the voltage regulator with the bushes pre-installed, instead of just a new pair of brushes to replace the worn one in your old voltage regulator.
As for it if just the bearing starting to squeak, no parts really needed,and it just the bearings that need to be pulled to be cleaned and re greased instead.
Last edited by Dano523; Jun 17, 2015 at 10:42 PM.