Put a new alternator less than 20k miles ago on the Excursion (2000 PS Diesel). There is a squeak in the front of the engine. I took the belt off thinking it may be time for new idler pulleys, but lo and behold it is the relatively new alternator making that noise, even if I just turn the pulley with my hand.

Is this a sign that the bearings are going out? Or is there a chance that something is wrong with the brushes and I can get away with a $50 repair at the alternator shop?

Finally, if you think I should replace it, what's a good quality replacement? I bought a quality part through my local independent parts dealer, but the warranty has expired.

Right now I am leaning towards getting a replacement from AutoZone. This thing is R&R so quickly, at least there I get free lifetime warranty.

Thanks in advance for you help!

George

 

Could be the front bearing, a slight rub of the rotor to stator, or slight rub of the fan.

If you feel a little roughness when you turn the shaft then it is the front bearing. A bearing can be replaced without much cost. You could go to an alternator repair shop to install a higher quality bearing that will last longer and have better seals.

If the alternator turns but sticks a bit on every revolution then it is likely a rub. Easiest to just replace the whole unit.

Brushes are mostly carbon and copper. They won't squeal like that.

 

AutoZone lifetime warranty and your done.

 

Autozone, $169 - done in 10 minutes. Thanks guys,

George

 

I'm much too cheap for that, if it was working I would of put the bearing in it, Oh well, such is life. Glad you got her fixed up.

 

Attaboy!

 

sure you can put a bearing in it,take the puppy apart,see what number it is and go to your favorite bearing house.

 

Can't have any down time on the truck - it's the wife's daily driver - it literally took 15 minutes to R&R and another 1/2 hour to run by the parts place.

George

 

Just searched and found this post.

Has anyone actually replaced the bearing in question???
If so do they know the number? I'd like to have it in hand before I pull it apart, it's my daily driver.

 

You will need a press to install the bearing without damaging it. If you don't have the right tools it is best to just pay a few dollars for an electrical shop to do it for you. That shop will also have a line on good bearings.

 

This bearing replacement is a waste of time, just do like the guys above said and buy the autozone special with the life time warranty and forget about it. The steps and time that it would take to replace the bearing you could have a new alternator installed, and not have to worry about it for another 100K, plus you get the warranty replacement when the time comes, not a bad deal.

 

We build machinery at work, from raw metal and parts, I have access to everything you could imagine, except sheet metal tooling (brakes, english wheeels, etc).

One time I needed a part for a 40 year old boat so I just had it made.

I just wondered if anyone new what the bearing size or number was so I can go ahead and buy it ahead of time. I REALLY hate spending 200 bucks for a couple 5 dollar bearings.

 

You will probably have to pull it apart and pull the bearings out. I doubt if anyone knows the bearing number. With bearing in hand a quick trip to a bearing specialty house will take care of the problem.