Alternator bearing finished... I think.

[Deaks2]

Hi guys,

My 120k was done 7 weeks ago and now that it has gotten really cold I think my alternator is finished.

When I first start the car I can hear a low-pitched noise. After a 1-3 seconds it goes away. When driving under hard acceleration the charging light comes on, also the heater blower stoped at one point last week, I did the immediate test, it worked fine when the engine was off (running on battery power). Blower has been working fine since then.

Canadian Tire wants $380 for a Bosche, does anyone know where I can get a rebuild for cheaper? Also if it is just the bearing in the alternator can that be replaced?

BTW: all belts are new (7-weeks old) and are all tight, and i tested all the tensioner pulley's, the bearings were fine.

THX

DOM

 

[jthomas68]

Has anyone ever looked into getting them rebuilt?There is a place down the street from me that has repaired alternators for a few different vehicles for me over the years.

 

[Mishney]

I had mine rebuilt by a "reputable" shop in the area once. It lasted 9 months. I am now on my 4th Alternator in 2 years. This one is an NAPA rebuilt one with a lifetime warranty. That way if it happens again I'm covered. Although knowing my luck, it will be fine for the life of the car. NAPA rebuild ran about $180 if I remember correctly.

-Matt

 

[HopefulSHO]

Deaks2:
When driving under hard acceleration the charging light comes on, also the heater blower stoped at one point last week, I did the immediate test, it worked fine when the engine was off (running on battery power). Blower has been working fine since then.

Before you go putting in a new alternator - check your connections! Re-do the connections at the battery and such. I had the same thing happen to me (battery light flicker during decent/hard acceleration) and it was just bad connections @ the battery.

I think your heater/AC blower motor issue is separate from this.

Your alternator is very loaded right after startup as it has to get everything up to voltage and begin charging the battery. Very ******* it when it's so cold.

Also...that low-pitched noise could be your power steering pump loading up. Mine seems to act like it has no fluid for a second during cold startup.

<small>[ January 23, 2003, 05:07 PM: Message edited by: HopefulSHO ]</small>

 

[projectSHO89]

FYI, charging system problems can cause the ETAC to go goofy. Just keep that in mind.

Steve

 

[rendyx]

I just put in a Pep Boys rebuilt ($130), let's see how long it lasts. It came with a lifetime warranty, which was a big concern to me. Alternators for these cars can cost a bit, and many people have ones that go quickly. I just don't see why they cost more than a Taurus SLO one, when Ford didn't exactly heavily modify the unit to handle high RPMs (this is where that rev limiter came from, being lower than the actual redline of the motor). I called one place, and they quoted me $70, which I later found out was probably for a SLO alternator. But check your connections first, I have trouble with them, and right now they seem to be behaving. It can make a BIG difference if it's connected nicely or not.

 

[rangerj]

Deaks,

Have you tested you alternator? If the output is OK, but the bearings have a dry growling sound to them, you can get new bearings. Find a local shop that rebuilds electric motors and alternators and see if they will order a set of bearings for you.

There are a few "special tools" involved in removing and replacing the bearings, so you may be better off having the shop rebuild the alternator.

Like Steve, I have never seen, nor heard of, a rebuild kit for the SHO power steering pump. If there is one, it is most likely very expensive.

I found a rebuild kit for the A/C compressor and it is listed at $235. The ONE (and only) kit I found had been opened, and one or more parts had been removed by one of the dealer's mechanics. I'm still looking for a complete kit! LOL on your project rangerj