squeaky alternatory noise

[enjybenjy]

either since I jetwashed it, or the pants weather, I've got a kind of whirry/squeaky noise from behind driver's side seat/rhs of engine bay. someone suggested on SELOC that the alternator can fill with water, and because it's upside down it don't drain out! How can I sort this? Anyone having this problem? The car sounds crap at idle and when you pull away.

[gooby]

Get it hot, go for a long drive and dry it out.

[regan]

I have a similar whirling noise rather than a squeaking one but my car went in to Chris Foulds (Huddersfield) for some new pads where he identified it to be the alternator he said it needed reconditioning due to water getting in and combined with the heat form the engine drying out the bearings found inside, the job he said would cost around £125. As times are hard for me at the moment due to Xmas it looks like it will be January before I can get it sorted.

[enjybenjy]

Might be just me, but I completely sprayed that component with WD40 yesterday. it had no immediate effect, but it's better this morning. The whirling has gone away, just have a tiny squeak left when I pull away (I guess there is a momentary increase in tension on the bearings maybe?
Dunno, going to give it another squirt tonight. It has stopped caning it down with rain as well,which may be a contributing factor. Worth a try anyway...