Winer?

[Wiser]

Our 87 started wyning yesterday. Almost sounds like the Alt, but charging is normal. New Die Hard and have had no problems here. Can the Serpentine belt get dirty and do this? Any ideas on dressings or is this a bad idea. Thanks for any advise.

[fatherlarry]

Welcome aboard!

A common problem with those alternators is the bearings start to wear and then whine. Especially, the rear bearing. They do make a replacement bearing which is an upgrade. The bearings wear because of the tension from the serpentine belt. The noise will get louder until the bearings freeze on to the armature end, where the bearing rides. If you put a 3/8 long extension and rest it on the top of alternator while the engine is running, and put your ear to it, you can actually hear the bearing making the whining noise. Don't attempt this procedure if you don't understand how it's done. You could hurt yourself. As you said, the alternator is charging, so I would take it off and send it out to a rebuilding shop you know of that does alternator repairs. Have them put new bearings in, and do a complete check of the entire alternator. If you don't have a rebuiding shop to bring it to, then just buy a re-manufactured alternator with the upgraded bearings in it.

I had one done for a friend of mine and they charged him about $30 to put the front and rear bearings in his original alternator, so it is cheaper then buying a re-built one. The prices may vary by state according to labor rate. I would get this done as soon as possible, before you ruin the alternator. Good luck, and let me know how you make out.

[Wiser]

You're analysis of our whiner was right on. Had the alt checked out and rebuilt by our local electronics guru for about $35.00. All is well once again and there are still a few weeks of summer here in the Northwest to actually drive it! Thanks for you're advise and great web site.