sqeeeeeeeeeking belts

[RaDiKaLBoArDeR]

squeaking belts / alternator problem

Last week I went wakeboarding with my Explorer and I drove deep in saltwater.
Here is a pic: Dead Link Removed


I bathed it in fresh water afterwards, but the next day a loud squeeling sound started from the alternator / belts area. The sound gets louder with RPMs. It hasn´t stopped till today.

I drive a 97 XLT with 100K miles on it.

The local Ford dealer took a quick look at it and immediately said that the alternator is broken. He came to that conclusion afetr staring at it during 15 seconds. It sounds to me like he wants to make some easy money.

I don´t really want to pay 300$ for a new alternator if there is a cheaper way of fixing the problem.
So here is my question:
Is there a way of changing the bearings inside the alternator ? Does this make sense or is it better to get a brand new alternator?
Could the sound come from somewhere else ? (belts...etc)
How can you definitely know that the alternator is broken ? Is there anyway of checking it (except for buying a new one) ?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Alec]

After getting wet on the last AZ run, my belt squeeked for about 2 days intermittently then went back to normal. If it's still doing it then I'd say you did get water and/or salt into your pulley bearings. Dunno exactly how you work on those though, but that's my opinion.

 

[Jon_Herr]

Belt

I've had a belt get wet, start sqeaking and never stop.

I too, assumed it was a damaged accessory bearing but it turned out to just be the belt.

Belts are cheap and easy to replace.

Good luck,
Jon

 

[bonnich]

If it is the belts sqeaking just take a bar of soap and hold it against the belt when it's running, or go and get some belt dressing. If that doesint clear up the noise it's not the belt.

 

[Jon_Herr]

Try it

Try the soap, or belt dressing, but I tried that with mine.

Only a new belt cured it.

I don't know if the serpintine belt wears differently or can get glazed on all of the grooves but once mine went bad it was bad.

 

[RaDiKaLBoArDeR]

Hey guys
thank you so much for your help! I will try that today.

Should I use any special kind or just normal bathing soap ?

 

[bonnich]

Originally posted by RaDiKaLBoArDeR
Hey guys
thank you so much for your help! I will try that today.

Should I use any special kind or just normal bathing soap ?

any bar of soap will do