Whining noise today, from alternator?

[Vikram]

Just noticed this today. What do you fellas think? Powersteering fluid looks good so I don't think its that. I feel like its coming from the alternator

no check engine light

here's a video

 

[J_C]

It sounds more like power steering pump to me, but an alternator can also make that noise. Just before taking the belt off, I'd put some slack in it and see if the pulley for either of these, feels rough turning or has wobble, though wobble you may see with belt on, engine running, once it gets bad enough but I wouldn't want to wait that long.

You can also unplug the alternator to see if the noise goes away or at least decreases a lot, though of course can't leave it running long or battery will drain.

 

[Vikram]

The battery light just came on....you reckon' it's prolly the alternator?

 

[EB4X]

/\ That would almost confirm it....as JC mentioned pull the connector off for a few seconds to see if removing it's circuits silences noise... if not...spray it's pulley bearing area with WD40 etc.... and then others if necessary to hear which one is the culprit.

 

[BKennedy]

You can use any piece of tubing and, carefully to avoid moving parts, place it against the alternator. Place the other end of the tube up to your ear and listen. It isolates the sound to one source. Old mechanics trick.

 

[C420sailor]

Same with a screwdriver. Tip on the object, not in your ear

 

[410Fortune]

Remove belt
Spin all pulleys
Alternator will likely grind
Good time to check all the other pulleys, tensioner and belt as well

Battery light plus new noise it is very likely the alternator has given up

Do not buy a reman!!!!

 

[C420sailor]

If it’s the original alternator, rebuild it yourself. The OEM units are very high quality.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I need to hit the pick and pull and start rebuilding these factory alternators. At work, on someone else’s dime, of course.

 

[C420sailor]

I want to grab a few alternators and starters and stash them away for a rainy day.

 

[donalds]

I want to grab a few alternators and starters and stash them away for a rainy day.

I did
And rebuilt it
Using a kit from Rebuilder in a box// Alternator Starter Rebuild Kits <<<
2nd one I've built with this kit and the first one is still going

 

[Vikram]

I got me a shiny new Bosch alternator. Truck runs great now! Will keep the stock alternator just in case. It did work for 26 years after all!