Alternator noise
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From: East Coast
Alternator noise
I have a slight squeak noise that is only heard at idle some of the time. I replaced the belt, idler, and tensioner when I noticed just spinning the alternator gives the sound I'm hearing. Is it something I should be concerned about? It isn't noisy all the time, only sometimes. I don't want to fix what isn't broken, but I don't want it to leave me stranded one day either.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
A bunch of reads & no replies, so I'll see if I can get things started.
How many miles on this puppy & under what kinds of use has it been put through????
Without more input, my guess right now might be the slip ring brushes are worn & their cage is intermittently rubbing on a slip ring, or maybe its a worn, or dry bearing.
If so, an electrical load test, or stethoscope listen might tattle on it or the bearing
Consider using, or fashion a stethoscope from a piece of tubing, hose, long screwdriver, broom handle, one end on the alternator bearing area, the other end to your ear & listen as it rotates, to determine if its a bearing, or slip ring/brush problem.
If you come to suspect worn slip ring brushes, maybe consider running this vehicle by your favorite auto parts store & ask for their test guru for a no cost, in vehicle, under load, electrical system check up, via their portable electrical system tester. It should be able to determine if the alternator is on the edge for replacement electrically speaking. Some thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find.
How many miles on this puppy & under what kinds of use has it been put through????
Without more input, my guess right now might be the slip ring brushes are worn & their cage is intermittently rubbing on a slip ring, or maybe its a worn, or dry bearing.
If so, an electrical load test, or stethoscope listen might tattle on it or the bearing
Consider using, or fashion a stethoscope from a piece of tubing, hose, long screwdriver, broom handle, one end on the alternator bearing area, the other end to your ear & listen as it rotates, to determine if its a bearing, or slip ring/brush problem.
If you come to suspect worn slip ring brushes, maybe consider running this vehicle by your favorite auto parts store & ask for their test guru for a no cost, in vehicle, under load, electrical system check up, via their portable electrical system tester. It should be able to determine if the alternator is on the edge for replacement electrically speaking. Some thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: East Coast
The truck only has 55k on it. I just got it, so I can only assume it has sat a lot. It's odd that the noise is only at low rpm, if at all. At this point I think I'll see if it gets any worse.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
You can buy decent quality alternator rebuild kits for maybe 35 bucks, with new bearings and regulator and the rest of it. Avoids playing alternator roulette, at least and you'll know it's done right. With just a DVOM you can run a few tests yourself and check the health of the battery and charging system. Preventive maintenance saves money and downtime, modern electronics do not like voltage spikes or sags.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/charging_checks.htm
http://alternatorstarterrebuildkits.com/
http://www.aa1car.com/library/charging_checks.htm
http://alternatorstarterrebuildkits.com/
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