Alternator???
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Alternator???
I have a "rubbing" noise coming from under the hood. The best way to describe it is... I think its the alternator. However, there are no other indications other than the noise, no loss of voltage, power is fine, there is no visible movement of anything... I know its a weak description, but I'm curious if anyone out there has experienced the same situation. Its a '97, 4.6L, 4X4 about 140,000 miles. Thanks for reading the post
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,017
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From: Southeast FLA
I'm a fan of changing out alternators before they go and leave me stranded (which has already happened on at least three of my vehicles).
From the 1990's, back, it seemed American alternators needed changed out (went bad) between 90k and 120k miles - slower revved motors (those who were driven easily, or motors like the 4.9L straight-six) seemed to last longer.
Anyway, with that in mind and having over 104k on the '99, I changed mine out to, hopefully, not be stranded for the next 100k miles due to an alternator.
That said, you're going to want to look at any idler pulleys, too (tensioner, etc.).
From the 1990's, back, it seemed American alternators needed changed out (went bad) between 90k and 120k miles - slower revved motors (those who were driven easily, or motors like the 4.9L straight-six) seemed to last longer.
Anyway, with that in mind and having over 104k on the '99, I changed mine out to, hopefully, not be stranded for the next 100k miles due to an alternator.
That said, you're going to want to look at any idler pulleys, too (tensioner, etc.).
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
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From: North Central Rural Sask.
I had an alternator go on me out in the middle of no where, in the midst of a bunch of mountains so I didnt have cell service. If you think its the alternator, I suggest getting someone to look at it, or listen to it for you, and tell you if its bad or not. Getting stranded is not fun! When my alternator went, I didnt hear anything, or notice anything go bad with it. I was just driving around, the gauge went down, and that was it for it!
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,017
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From: Southeast FLA
I've been hearing these current Ford alternators last a while longer but, again, at 140k I'd just change it out and re-listen for strange sounds.
When mine have gone, they didn't make strange noises. The noises you have may be indicating yours, or something on the belt line, is near mechanical failure - and that's worse.
When mine have gone, they didn't make strange noises. The noises you have may be indicating yours, or something on the belt line, is near mechanical failure - and that's worse.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
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From: Mifflin, PA
With the engine running, VERY CAREFULLY, take a long screwdriver and hold the tip on the alternator housing, and put your ear to the handle. You should be able to hear a bad bearing quite loudly. Do it for the front bearing, and the rear, and also check power steering pump, a/c compressor, and any idlers. You can also pull the belt off and rotate by hand.
Had one on a Suburban that would only make noise at certain RPMs. Took it to Advance Auto, they put it on their diagnostic machine, and spun it up, and said no problem, sounds good, charges ok. When they turned it off, and the alternator coasted down, it made a horrible racket midway during the coast down. Oops, the guy said, guess it is bad.
Had one on a Suburban that would only make noise at certain RPMs. Took it to Advance Auto, they put it on their diagnostic machine, and spun it up, and said no problem, sounds good, charges ok. When they turned it off, and the alternator coasted down, it made a horrible racket midway during the coast down. Oops, the guy said, guess it is bad.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Southeast FLA
Just to be clear for people who haven't changed out many alternators, alternators can go electrically or mechanically. One way or another they'll be bad.
I've changed out other people's who had bad bearings (or, at least, that was my guess as to what was making the noise), but it seems most go electrically.
I still remember the first one I changed out - from a 70's Camaro to a '77 Pontiac Lemanns (sp?)... It was, at the time, the first 'real' mechanical work I had done, and I was really happy, and encouraged, by the results.
Save for a few vehicles out there, every new mechanic ought to tackle their own alternator (well, when the time comes), because they're an easy job to get a feel for tools and procedures with.
alright, this is my last post on this before Brope gets-r-done.
I've changed out other people's who had bad bearings (or, at least, that was my guess as to what was making the noise), but it seems most go electrically.
I still remember the first one I changed out - from a 70's Camaro to a '77 Pontiac Lemanns (sp?)... It was, at the time, the first 'real' mechanical work I had done, and I was really happy, and encouraged, by the results.
Save for a few vehicles out there, every new mechanic ought to tackle their own alternator (well, when the time comes), because they're an easy job to get a feel for tools and procedures with.
alright, this is my last post on this before Brope gets-r-done.
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DONE! It was the alternator. Not only is the "rubbing" noise gone, the whole truck is quieter. (Maybe it's mental) Thats a first for me, I've never had an alternator mechanically fail, only electrically. I'm smarter now. Thanks for reading and offering the helpful advice. Now, if anyone finds a truck key and alarm remote at the bottom of the lake, it's mine. (a water skiing incident)
Last edited by Brope; Oct 10, 2006 at 05:06 PM.