Funky noise of the week

[Army_F_body]

Okay, when I started my car up last week, after having some front brake work done, I notice a weird noise coming from the direction of the alternator.

It sounds like a metal vibration or the sound you get when something is barely touching the tip of a fan. Nothing is hitting and the alternator is new.

It doesn't hinder performance in anyway, it just worries me. It seems to happen at low rpms, below 1,000 rpms, not when running. Also after it has warmed up it seems to stop.

Am I worry over nothing, or is something major bout ready to break?

Thanks,
Rob

[Phoenix]

Check your tensioner just to be sure it's not falling apart and check to see if the wear indicator on the tensioner isn't showing that the belt needs replacing.

[Jerriko]

I had a noise like that a while ago. The problem was the fins on the alternator. Not the fins on the outside, but the ones on the inside. A couple of them were bent.

[Army_F_body]

Is this a bad thing if it is the internal blades on the alternator? I can learn to live with it if it's not gonna damage anything.

I looked at the tensioner and the sound was definately coming from the direction of the alternator.

Just to be sure what method would you guys recomend to check the tensioner?

Thanks,

Rob

[Jerriko]

Unfortunately, if it is the interior blades on the alternator, you will have to get it replaced. The interior blades are more important than the exterior blades for cooling. It will burnout. Mine did.
Jim

[Army_F_body]

Can the internal blades be replaced or the whole unit?

I found these online, will they work:
http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDeta...e=1265&PTSet=A

Even if they can be replaced is it better to just get a new one?

Thanks,
Rob

[Jerriko]

If you are rebuilt an alternator before, enjoy. If not, I would just by another one. Everything has to be removed and resetting the brushes can be tricky.

[Army_F_body]

Put in a new alternator myself today and all seems well.

Thanks, guys