Alternator Noise? Bearings?

slymongoose

New Member

Oct 2, 2014

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1

captain cook

Oct 24, 2014

#1

• Oct 24, 2014

• #1

i got the 66 mustang 6-cylinder back on the road (finally) ... runs pretty good, but it sounds like crap. i think maybe the noise is coming from the alternator??
if so, is it likely that the bearings are going out? should i just replace the alternator and be done with it, or is there anything i can try?
thanks!

here's a video/sound
View: https://vimeo.com/109980297

 

horse sence

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

12,231

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Wile Coyote's stunt double

Oct 24, 2014

#2

• Oct 24, 2014

• #2

If it is a whining or growling sound it is probably a bearing ,all alternators make a slight noise when the are charging . A short piece of hose against the case and up to your ear while the car is running will let you know if it is the alternator .

 

horse sence

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

12,231

8,089

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Wile Coyote's stunt double

Oct 24, 2014

#3

• Oct 24, 2014

• #3

Check the fins on the fan on the alternator ,they may be bent and hitting the bracket or the alternator case .

 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp

10 Year Member

Sep 1, 2010

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Kearney, NE

Oct 25, 2014

#4

• Oct 25, 2014

• #4

Harbor freight tool makes a mechanic stethoscope that is well worth the money, but a long screwdriver works to pinpoint noises if you keep your pony tail out of the fan and belts.

Remove the alternator and have it bench tested at most any parts store. I bet spinning it by hand will feel wrong with all that racket.

 

bartl

Active Member

Feb 4, 2001

218

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29

West Rutland, Vermont

Oct 25, 2014

#5

• Oct 25, 2014

• #5

Yank the belt and spin the alternator by hand. You should be able to hear/feel if the bearings are going. The choice is up to you. Reman alternators aren't all that expensive. You can also convert to a junkyard 3G unit. If you're mechanically adept, you can just replace the offending bearing(s).

 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp

10 Year Member

Sep 1, 2010

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Kearney, NE

Oct 26, 2014

#6

• Oct 26, 2014

• #6

Yes, rebuild kits are a good option for some folks. They are the ones who feel better knowing they did it than having a lifetime warranty from someone at a mass rebuilders. One dealership I worked for wanted to do it this way every time a kit was available. Except for brake parts that might have rubber seals that have been sitting there for 15 years, I usually just buy a good brand re manufactured part and get back on the road.

 

tos

Founding Member

Apr 27, 2001

896

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59

Cincinnati Ohio

Oct 28, 2014

#7

• Oct 28, 2014

• #7

That doesn't sound like the typical bad bearing to me. More like something slapping or rubbing against something else. Make sure one of those gigantic blades of straw under your engine isn't the culprit first then look for other sources. Possibly even an exhaust leak? I hear a slight miss in your engine and that sound sort of goes along with it so I would check for a leak where your exhaust pipe mounts to your manifold or header. Your RPM is a little fast too so you might slow it down a little also. May help it narrowing the source down