I have this growing noise under the hood. Using my special Ford diagnostic stethoscope (aka the jack handle), I have narrowed it down to the bearings in the alternator.

Q1. Do I replace anything else besides the alternator and belt? i.e. tensioner, water pump?

Q2. Any place that make a particularly good product? Q3. Refurbished with a lifetime warranty or a new one? Advance Auto for $151 or new for $229. Ford Parts store??

FYI, 5.4, 81000k miles 1997.

 

Within the last month I had to replace my alt. also (97 F150). I went thru O'Riley's, and I got the life time warranty on it. If u have a manuel (if u don't) I believe it says to replace it at 60,000 miles. I bought my truck from my father and he said that he had never replaced it(162000 miles). It was the original Ford belt. It 2 small cracks inside but it was still in good condition (kept it as as a emergancy belt in the truck). Tensioner/water pump leave alone unless there are signs of leakage. Test the alternator before you leave the store, it can save you a return trip.

 

Thanks,

I got a remanu from Autozone, Duralast brand. Limited lifetime warranty. $144.

Fixed the noise. I also bought a belt but had my wrench in the wrong place on the tensioner to remove it completely, I will put it on later.

 

What did the noise sound like. I have a whining noise that increases with rpm.

 

Hi akal and welcome tyo FTE.
The whine can be a couple of things.
1) Alt. bearings
2) Idler pulley bearings
3) Power steering pump ( going out or could just be low on fluid)

Jimmy