Suspect Alternator - Printable Version

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Suspect Alternator - Ledhedsymbols - 03-27-2005

Just got the car back from the body shop.... She's gorgeous BTW. The next problem on the plate to deal with was a bit of a whine/squeal. It's coming from the driver's side of the engine compartment.

In addition, the squeal is intermittent. When it is making noise, the voltage gauge on the dash reads about 12VDC, when it stops, the gauge reads just under 14VDC. I strongly suspect either the alternator or belt. I'm leaning towards the alternator because it just doesn't sound like belt squeal to me. I have parked it under cover until I get around to taking a closer look (12 hour shifts at the old prison this weekend.)

Two part question next... Do you agree with my daignosis, and are there any bizarre things I need to know about changing the alternator and belt?



Thanks Again,

Micah

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Suspect Alternator - rustech - 03-27-2005

If an alternator bearing was going bad, I don't feel it would impact the charging of the system that dramatically. If the belt is slipping however, it would. First thing, try tightening or just replacing the belt and see if that fixes it.

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Suspect Alternator - josephsc - 03-27-2005

I second the 'check the belt first' suggestion. It's very easy to do -- just remember that one side of the thread on the tensioner bar is a left-hand thread.

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Suspect Alternator - flash - 03-27-2005

yes check the belt, but.......



a bad bearing can absolutely affect output - i've seen alternators with bad bearings outputting a full 14V but only 5A - basically the play in the bearing allowed it to short itself out



check the belt for any signs of glazing - while you have it loose, give the alternator a twist and a jiggle - there should be no mechanical resistance, noise, or any play at all in the bearing



if the problem persists, load test the alternator

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Suspect Alternator - Rynoe968 - 03-30-2005

I noticed the same problem and when i got under the car found a 17mm bolt lying on top of the skid plate which turned out to be broken off the Ac pump. This loosened the belt and caused slipping. Ended up being a five hour repair job.

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