Alternator or Alternator Bearing?

[Typoe99]

Well about a month ago my explorer started to make a really loud i guess you would say whirring noise. It was coming from the alternator. To me it sounded like the alternator bearing was going. Mind you I am an industrial mechanic not an auto mechanic. It started on my way home from work that evening and persisted the rest of the night. the next day it was gone. So as i was a little cash poor at the time I was just oh well i guess the problem "went away" Alternator has been charging fine. Electrical gague on the dash is showing the voltage is where it should be. Now today i noticed a burning smell and I traced it to the altenator. I am thinking maybe the bearing is toast and now beginning to burn up the altenator.. I was looking for your opinion

 

[fireball 440]

bearing is part of alt and is not serviceable. I guess it must be because aftermarket "rebuilds" these things but I have never seen where to get or how to service just the bearing.

 

[Typoe99]

So do you think i should go ahead and replace the altenator even if it is still charging fine?

 

[broncojunkie]

So do you think i should go ahead and replace the altenator even if it is still charging fine?

That alternator is really easy to take off. Remove it and run it down to the parts store. They can bench test it. Also, if the bearing is toast, it will be noticeable away from all the other engine noises.

Oh, and before you go, look online for discounts and coupons. I saved a bunch on my last one that way. Auto zone, I believe.

 

[Typoe99]

Well I figured out the problem today. I was right about the bearing noise except wrong bearing....Got out of class today, started the truck, went to go and had no power steering. Went under the hood and guess what was missing...my serpentine belt. The tensioner pulley froze up and destroyed the belt and blew up the pulley with it. So at least i know the issue now... haha