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Noisy Alternator: Sounds like a windmill

PlenumBiscuit

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Anything i can do to quiet down my alternator

when in drive, i take off and it roars out a noise simulating a windmill

doesnt get louder, just faster

it works well, is in good condition

is there a spray or something i could put on it?? besides buying a new one

NOTE: it doesnt happen if cars in Park, and accellorate

thanks for any help
 

Brett_jjj

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A noisy alternator usually means the bearings inside it are stuffed. You can get the bearings replaced, but its probably a lot cheaper to get a good second hand one or a reconditioned one. Ebays probably the best and cheapest place to look for stuff like this..
 

pendles

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take the bearing out of the pulley and get a price on it from a bearing shop or repco some place like that.
may also be cheaper to just buy a brand new aftermarket one. do some research first
 

Tasmaniak

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Sure its the alternator and not the power steering pump?
 

vrsprspt

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I was thinking it's just induction noise...only does it when you take off so you must be in the car driving, what makes you think it is in fact the alternator? Try opening the bonnet with your car running and give the engine a few revs with your hand or get someone to sit in the car and rev it for you, will be easier to pinpoint where the windmill noise is coming from
 

Piston Slap

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yep that sounds like alternator, mine does this to. its a good idea to take the belt of as well and check for any play/bearing noise in the alternator as well as other components (ps, wp, tp).
 

PlenumBiscuit

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what makes me think its alternator? good point, thats what mechanic told me

yeah i can only hear noise when driving

in park, i push throttle/accelerator, i cant hear it or pin point it

but in park/idle, i put my ear to back of alternator, and there is a rattle, like a bearing ball in a coke can sound


power steering pump?? hmmm theres a slow leak from the reservoir fluid thats been a pain in the arse to find, but no other symptoms

am watching a few new alts on gumtree
 

Brett_jjj

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You can buy a mechanics stethoscope cheap on ebay, these are perfect for listening for noisy bearings in alternators, water pumps, idler pulleys etc, you can even listen inside the engine with it, very handy.
 

Immortality

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You can buy a mechanics stethoscope cheap on ebay, these are perfect for listening for noisy bearings in alternators, water pumps, idler pulleys etc, you can even listen inside the engine with it, very handy.

A pair of earmuffs and a long handle screw driver works (almost) just as well.
 
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