Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Alternator squeal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 9, 2012 | 10:23 PM
  #1  
Buck268's Avatar
Buck268
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Alternator squeal

Well I got this nasty belt squeal going on, has been for a while too. I haven't narrowed it down to which pulley but last time I heard something like this it was the alternator bearings in my '96 Mustang (4.6L SOHC) so I'm willing to bet its the same thing. Last time I had a shop overhaul the alternator for me. This time I'd rather do it myself if possible. But down time is an issue!

So, has anybody done bearings in these alternators? If so can you provide some info on what parts I will need? Of course, I'm very much open to suggestions on other possible issues or more common causes of accessory bearing sqeaul!
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2012 | 11:21 PM
  #2  
Yahiko's Avatar
Yahiko
Fleet Owner
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
Take a long screwdriver and with the truck running place the tip on the
alt and your ear on the handle and listen to the sound it's making.
You can use this method to probe other places and see if you can'
narrow down the source of the sound. Or if you want to get a
mechanics stethoscope. Any local parts store should have some.



Sean
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2012 | 06:35 AM
  #3  
SC_Hoaty's Avatar
SC_Hoaty
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 35
From: South Carolina
It's been a long time, but the last alternator I repaired (vs just swap out) was for electrical issues. I replaced the diode bridge and the brushes. I don't know if those are "user serviceable" on modern alternators. If they are, I would do the brushes while you have it out for bearings, since the brushes are a wear item. The diode bridge is not really a wear item, but can fail due to heat. I don't see any point in replacing it if it is still working.
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2012 | 12:09 PM
  #4  
Buck268's Avatar
Buck268
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Dropped the belt off and spun by hand positively confirming the alternator is the source of the squeak. Now to figure out how readily replacable the bearing is and which size... Doubt I'm lucky enough to be able to refresh the grease and be good to go.
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2012 | 12:17 PM
  #5  
SuperDutyScaler's Avatar
SuperDutyScaler
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,449
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
i don't think you can do this yourself, never seen a modern alt. being able to be rebuilt by the do it yourselfer
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Pablo-UA
Aerostar
2
Nov 21, 2007 10:57 AM
MY_RIG
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Oct 27, 2004 09:19 PM
Donald Rohret
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
8
Oct 14, 2003 06:39 AM
jade97
Electrical Systems/Wiring
3
Jul 7, 2003 08:27 PM
Dutch123
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
5
Mar 25, 2003 10:02 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:24 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE