Alternator bearing problem?
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 266
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From: Rocky Mountains
Alternator bearing problem?
I have a 1995 Ford Ranger, 3.0 liter, 2wd. I think I may have a bad bearing in my alternator as it makes a sort of grating sound. I am not sure if this is the alternator, but the noise seems to emanate primarily from there. Is there a sure way to isolate this problem. The alternator works fine so I hate to invest money in a new one only to find out that wasn't the problem. Also I would like to add that I received good advice on a former EGR problem and fixed it by replacing the dpfe element. No more "Check Engine" light problem. Thanks to the FTE enthusiasts. Now to fix the possible alternator problem
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
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From: Durham, NC
To isolate a bearing noise, use a long screwdriver as a stethoscope. Put the tip of the screwdriver on the alternator
(or other object) and the handle end of the screwdriver up to your
ear. You will be able to hear differences in bearing noises.
(or other object) and the handle end of the screwdriver up to your
ear. You will be able to hear differences in bearing noises.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 306
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May want to look closer at the water pump. My last vehicle, and my girlfriends Volvo have both the the water pump bearings go bad, making the same grinding type of noise. In both cases, the pulley on the water pump had a little bit of play. Try wiggling the pulleys and see if any of them move.
Actually, on the Volvo, we just realized it was going bad, after replacing bad exhaust gaskets. Still haven't replaced the pump, but the pump on my other vehicle only lasted me 500 miles or so until I lost my coolant in a driveway 200 miles away from home
Anyway, check out all of the pulleys for any play, nothing worse than replacing something that's not broke. Let us know what you find...
Brian J Wilson
Actually, on the Volvo, we just realized it was going bad, after replacing bad exhaust gaskets. Still haven't replaced the pump, but the pump on my other vehicle only lasted me 500 miles or so until I lost my coolant in a driveway 200 miles away from home
Anyway, check out all of the pulleys for any play, nothing worse than replacing something that's not broke. Let us know what you find...
Brian J Wilson
