I searched the forums for any info on this, with out much luck.
I have a 98 sunfire se, and about 3 months ago i started to get a whiring/humming noise from the passenger side of the engine. It makes the noise at all times, and the pitch/volume of the whine increases/decreases as the engine speed increases/decreases. My guess is there is a bearing somewhere starting to go.
The other day i was getting on an on-ramp and pinned the throttle, and as the RPMS got into the higher range the Battery light came on, and then went off when the car shifted (automatic). I have repeated this a few times, with the same results. So im guessing its the alternator bearing?
How common are bad alternator bearings in j-bodys? can i replace just the bearings, or do i need to replace the entire alternator? Any info would appreciated.
If the alternator is making racket u probably have the bearing going out in it specifically.U would be better off to replace the alternator being they do not sell the bearing as a separate part,unless u have a to replace the voltage regulator which is not really the issue at hand.The batt light coming on is probably a indication the alt is going and the amps are lower than what the car is required to run off of in normal conditions.Save ur self a boat load of headache and go to ur local advance auto or auto zone etc and buy a new alternator and take the old one back bc there will be a core charge meaning u have to return the old one to get back several bux and problem solved.This hopefully answers ur ?s and go with a new alter and don't be stranded somewhere DO it asap.
Just replace the alternator. It's about the same price as getting a rebuild kit. And if you've never rebuilt an alternator this is probably not a good first one to try.
Thanks for the replys, I replaced the alternator this morning and both the whine and light issue went away. I appreciate all the help.
Thanks again!
Hey, Tom
Replace the alternator. The time you would spend fooling around trying to disassemble the little monster doesn't (to me) equal the cost of buying another one. Alternators are fairly easy to find if you have a stock one. But if you have the time to tinker, try the rebuild option. Just my 2 cents.
Gee, that's what I get for delaying a post!! Great to hear everything went OK.
