Alternator Whining Noise

[EMStaxi]

Does anyone else have that annoying Alternator whine that increases when you step on the gas and decreases when you let up? I have heard the sound on other explorers that have passed by me while I would be standing outside, so I know its noticable. Not having any problems with the charging system, just that annoying noise....Comments or Suggestions Please

 

[MikeP]

I had the alternator whining noise for years. About 3 weeks ago my water pump failed and so I had the alternator replaced while replacing the water pump. The whine is gone. But I have a tapping noise when starting in the morning cold (pretty loud). Changed oil and filter and it seemed to quiet down. And it seems to be getting quieter as time goes on. Have not been able to figure out what this tapping noise is - should not have anything to do with alternator or water pump it seems. For the old alternator, the whine seemed to be loudest in the 1000-2000 rpm range. I have a 91 Explorer XLT 4x4.
Mike in Seattle

 

[EMStaxi]

Anyone else with the same problem and any solutions outside of replacing an alternator that isn't shot?

 

[RFR2212]

I believe it's my belt, but I've got a whine/squeel from the alternator area when I've got a large draw on the system....Some times when poundin the stereo, the thing will squeel....I dunno....Once the charge is back up, it's fine...I dunno...That's my exprience
Pete

 

[Empty Pockets]

These trucks use a power steering pump, which is similar to the Mustang 5.0, and they are notorious for being noisy when they are working correctly. These noises travel; I would make sure that it’s the alternator before I did anything. I’ve used a stethoscope, a piece of hose or a wooden dowel to determined exactly where the noise/vibration is coming from (remember: sound is vibration).

At 90k my alternator went from quiet to really loud in three days, the bearing went so I replaced the alternator and power steering pump still makes the same noise.

 

[EMStaxi]

Empty Pockets, did you lose any voltage with the alternator? Mine is working fine, just making the noise (which is annoying). I cant see spending $325 for an alternator if I don't have any electrical problems.

 

[Empty Pockets]

No I didn't lose any voltage, it was just a bearing.

On another vehicle the rear bearing just dried out, it was exposed and I pushed some grease in with my finger while the engine was running, that fixed the noise. Also I shot some grease into the front bearing with an aerosol can (but if i remember correctly within a year the alternator voltage went so I had to replace the whole thing; That was on a jeep cherokee with 125k on it). I think that I couldn't see the rear bearing on the Explorer.

My rebuilt Explorer alternator was $130 at Pep Boys.

 

[EMStaxi]

Okay, thanks for the input, pep boys doesn't have any for the 97 and up for explorers or mountaineers, just went there this morning, I figured i would try white lithium grease but can't seem to get it inside and I don't want to pull the alternator out.

 

[Kampy]

Find a place that actually rebuilds electrical components. I bought a set of bearings and a brush holder for mine for less than $30. Beats the heck out of $130 - $300+ for a rebuilt/new one.

 

[tac0meat]

i got my new altenator at http://www.mralternator.com i got the 200 amp version for 195 bucks. if your going to replace yours dont spend 325 dollars, ya i know this sounds like a commercial or somethin but i had good results from that site. the alternator is easy to install (10 min for anyone that can replace there own serpetine belt) so dont go and pay someone to do it. this is just my opinion but i feel that 325 is way too much for an altenator

 

[BlueDogBandit]

rebuild it

i had the front bearing go out on mine, and i was able to get a rebuild kit for the alternator for $30. it was easy to do and came with new brushes, bearings, and control module. works like a champ. it will be fine until i decide to fork out the ca$h for a 200 amper. i stll have the packaging from the kit if you need #'s. good luck.

 

[KTMpat]

Blayne's right

It was the bearing on mine. Actually bearing was slipping in alternator housing. I removed, re-greased, and pressed bearing back in with gasket sealer to keep it from slipping/whining. Did this 2000 miles ago, still quiet.... but you've got to pull it out, and open it up.

 

[EMStaxi]

Ok, I went to the dealer this morning to see if my truck was part of the recall. while I was there, I had them check out the whining noise. 30 mins later after inspecting the suspsension, they told me 1. that my vehicle was ok as far as the recall; and 2. That there was a tech service bulletin on the "Lower Idler Pulley." The service manager said that the bearings commonly go bad. So, now they wanted to charge me $160 for parts and labor for the Pulley. I declined, paid 36.50 for half hour labor charge(to tell me the pulley was bad) and went to another dealer and picked up the pulley for 33 bucks. I put it on and the noise is gone...Thank you Lord....
Thanks everyone for your input...