whining from engine....alternator maybe?? need help!! w/in

[vandelay101]

Hey guys...
This morning i go to start my car up and i hear a whining sound during idle coming from the engine compartment. It's very noticable when i'm going slow but is less audible going higher speeds. I've also noticed my battery guage is sitting right at the half mark while driving (SUPPOSE TO BE SLIGHTLY ABOVE) and ONLY when im' sitting in in traffic stopped or in park does the needle acutally dip down into the red. I know walmart can check the alternator and battery for free, but could this be something else. Why is it making a whining sound???? Also...where can i get a good alternator for cheap, and how much am i looking at. I'm giong to do the sparK plug job this weekend and while i have the alternator off i might as well put a new one in and prolly get a new belt while im' at it. Everything goes at once....so far i need 2 new tires....alighment....plugs...wires...and now possible alternator...so much for saving money.

Thanks guys,
Rob Oleksa
1995 Camaro V6 that's a little sick right now

[Skullcamaro]

Check your belt. Their may be something making your belt slip, which could cause a whining type noise. It could be the alternator but its cheaper to replace the belt then the alternator.

[need4speed]

my car whines too, but i concluded that it must be female.

seriously though, mine will whine in the morning when it is cool, but not after it gets warm outside. When it is rainy, it really makes some noise, but my battery gauge reads normally. I think it is the tensioner pulley, but i don't know. If somebody does know, we could use a little help here.
Thanks

[vandelay101]

went to advance auto parts and they told me that my alternator is shot....good news is i caught it before it drained the battery any. Looks like i'm going to have to get a remanufactured one for 109 bucks...what a damn rip off. I'm going to call around though and see if i can get a new one for that price.

Rob Oleksa
1995 Camaro 3.4L