My Alternator is Squeaking, what do i do?

[Perry V]

Do i spray WD40 to the turning parts? It squeeks mainly at idle and low rpm, but it goes away when i get around 3000 rpm......is my alternator going? any ideas of how to get rid of this?

thanks

Perry V.
'97 Bird

[knowledgefreak]

high pitch whine that increases with rpms = replace alternator

squeeky pulley? use some lithium grease maybe.

wd40 around anything electrical is verrrry dangerous so if you use it then make sure the car is off for sure.

could just be your belt making the noise?

[ April 25, 2002: Message edited by: knowledgefreak ]</p>

[chevcamaro18]

also wd40 on rubber (belts) isnt good

[Perry V]

It can't be the belt, because i just replaced that sucker today.....but while the belt was off i was turning the alternator pulley, and it was squeaking when i was turning it by hand.......but like i said in my first post, when it gets to the higher rpm range the squeak disapears......I tried spraying some WD40 while the car was off....and the squeak wasn't as loud, but it was still there, I almost just feel like dumping a whole can of WD40 on the entire alternator, that squeak is making my car sound like a hunk of junk..

thanks for the reply

Perry v.

[Shadly]

It's the bushings within the alternator. Start counting your pennies. You have about 1-3 months before it overheats and fails.

[viper98885]

Using WD40 on the pully won't help either. The bearing on the alternator are sealed bearings, The only thing WD40 will do is create a big mess. Usually, under these circumstances, you should replace the alternator, unless you know how to take the alternator apart and replace the bearing, but that's a whole different story...a lot of work and a lot of possibility of screwing up the alternator anyway.

[Perry V]

That is very brutal, i don't really have the cash to put into a new one, even though they aren't the most expensive things on earth. Are they hard to install? How long would it take a professional mechanic? Should I get a better alternator than stock? or stick with the same type?

(and yes I am running quite a bit of battery power, due my two amps and stereo system)

thanks for all of the replies guys.

Perry V.

[Shadly]

If you don't have the cash to put into a stock alternator, how are you going to afford a high-amp alternator? They are considerably more expensive. Go with factory amperage unless you're having power problems when your stereo is on. Alternators are easy to install.

[viper98885]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Shadly:
If you don't have the cash to put into a stock alternator, how are you going to afford a high-amp alternator? They are considerably more expensive. Go with factory amperage unless you're having power problems when your stereo is on. Alternators are easy to install.<hr></blockquote>

My thoughts exactly.

[Perry V]

How much should an Alternator cost me? I talked to some guy over the phone and he told me that GM alternators on Higher performance cars go like every 2-3 years, he said he can get my one for $100 plus installation which will be another $40....does that sound fair?

thanks for all of your help guys.

Perry V.

[RHPF]

Im in the same situation. I have a 3.4 and I have the alt already. I laughed to the face of the Pep Boys guy who told me 85 bucks for install. I can install it, and probably will now. How long will it probably take to do? What tools do I need, any techniques etc. Thanks

[Shadly]

The hardest thing about it is taking the belt off. It's a couple bolts and a plug. No adjustments necessary. Alternators are pricey. Mine was $124. I've only had to replace it once.

[knowledgefreak]

either buy the higher powered output one or take off your amps or you will just keep burning it up.

The instal is simple if you know how to use a wrench.

if you have never done it, it would be easier for someone to show you