Noisy bearing in alternator

[Ron41]

Got a clicking sound when the motor is running, it is comming from the serp pulleys area, i sprayed some CRC around the alternator pulley and it quitened it down a bit for a little while but still comes back, so i am pretty sure it is that alternator bearing, so my question is, are they hard to replace and were would you buy a new bearing from ? i have had the car since it was 12 months old so as far as i know it is the originol alternator from the factory.
thanks

[accentstencil]

Easy to do. Get a new bearing from any bearing supplier like CBC Bearings.
Open attachment in a new window to make it a bit easier to read.
It is easier to loosen the pulley with the drive belt still on, so do that before removing the alternator.

[Ron41]

Thanks a lot mate

[hako]

Before you go changing that bearing Ron, make sure the noise isn't coming from the tensioner assembly which will creak as it (constantly) adjusts the tension of the belt. When you remove the belt you should be able to spin the alternator pulley and if it feels rough or loose then it's the bearing....if not then maybe it's the tensioner assembly. Mine has made a creaky/ticking noise for about 5 years now.
Another way to check is to put a length of broomhandle - about 18" long against the alt when the engine is running - if you hear the grinding it should be the bearing.
Good Luck

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

You can check the tensioner by putting your finger on the bolt that holds the pulley while it is running. Very carefully of course. You will feel the clicking very easily if it is that. hako is on the money with the ticking noise, it is more likely to be the tensioner assembly.

[alex2_s]

Given the nature of the serpentine belt, it could really be any of the components on the belt making the noise and being 'transferred' to your ear via the belt.... take the belt off as suggested and spin every pulley (including the idlers, water pump etc) and check for noise, binding etc.

[Ron41]

Thanks guys for the great tips, shall try them in the morning, i guess what through me off was when i sprayed behind the altenator pulley with the CRC it quitened down a bit then starting that annoying sweaky clicking noise, i have changed all the other idely pulleys they were nackered which has really quitened things down a lot except for this last bit i want to get rid off.
again thanks for your help

[Ron41]

Your absolutley right it was the tensioner not the alt bearing, thanks for stopping me to make a huge mistake when holding the tension pulley nut i could feel it vibrating like heck, once the motor warmed up, the sqeaking quitened down, I just had a look in my greg' manual for replacement of the tensioner assembly, bit of mucking around but I will have to fix it one day as it is really loud for a while when the car is warming up.
Does anyone know how much a new tensioner assembly is worth ?

thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.