knocking from altenator

[takao]

when my 92 sport idles theres a knocking
noise comming from the altenator. noted that it is the original alt, and that I have
100,000 miles on my sport. is there a way to rebuild it or do I have to buy a new one.

 

[DanielKelling]

Sounds like the same problem i had in my 91 EB. All i did was replace the alternator...a very easy change and my noise was gone. Do you fellas know of how to upgrade the alternator or is there a need to. I replaced mine with the recomenned one from Pep Boys and when i am idling i get a pulsating electric flow. My voltage meter, my head light and my engine pulsate at idle. Is this my alternator or another problem.

Thanks Fellas!!

 

[Marty H.]

Daniel,

I have the same pulsation at idle that you speak of. Never thought much of it. I just replaced my alternater last week. Fairly easy to do, but that is a relatively expensive alternater. $130 at Autozone. And that's only if you return the old one. Without the return it is $65 more.



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Marty H.
94 Navajo 4X4

 

[S.Matsushige]

Takao-I would replace it with a rebuilt one. A new one is quite expensive. I just replaced the altenator on my '91 which has 135k. I would recommend a rebuilt Bosch unit if you can find one. Mine ran me $140 with trade in and covers my towing for a year and is guaranteed for a year as well if it fails. I think its a good thing.

 

[takao]

thank you for the advise.

 

[Marty H.]

The alternater that I bought from Autozone, though I do not remember the brand, was rebuilt and is guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle. If it goes out, you go to Autozone, give them your phone number, they pull the warranty (which they give you a copy of for your records), and they replace it free. There is no towing coverage, but coverage for as long as I own this vehicle is not bad since I plan to run it till it dies.

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Marty H.
94 Navajo 4X4

 

[takao]

thanks marty, however there's no autozones here on Maui, just priced a alt its $180.00 what ever happened to the good old days when it was $70.00.

 

[Marty H.]

Ah, the price of living in paradise. $70.00? Heck, just a few years ago I spent $30.00 for one for an Escort I used to own.


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Marty H.
94 Navajo 4X4

 

[takao]

even when I was a teen, I've never seen a alt for $30.00. Price of gas regular unleaded $1.64.

 

[takao]

just took the surpintine off noted that all pulleys rotate smoothly and yes even the alt where the noise is comming from any body has an idea why the noise is happening?

 

[ganderso]

Check the belt tensioner--when it goes bad, the noise seems to radiate from the alternator. It's a much cheaper fix than the alt!!

------------------
Guy A.
Ripley, TN

 

[takao]

thanks for the information, I'll check it in the morning.

 

[DOGMAN]

Takao
The knocking from the alternator is most likely the alternator bearings wearing out. I have had this happen before. At first it is just knocking sound but will eventually lead to bearing failure and seizure of the alternator. You can replace the alternator but all you need to do is find an alternator & starter repair shop to rebuild it for you. All they do is replace the bearings (and brushes, if needed). This is much cheaper than buying a new or rebuilt alternator and works very well. GOOD LUCK!

 

[takao]

thank you, for the information.

 

[takao]

I've got off my lazy butt and changed the alternater and all noises have disappeared. thank you for all advice/information given.