Alternator noise!?

[rpm100]

Hi guys,

Over the past month my alternator has started to make a slight 'whizzing noise'. It started off when the car was cold (persumably when it is under full load) and now it's all the time when driving with the lights on. The sound is a bit like transmission wine but it is revs related. Checked the belts and they dont seem over slack but my battery to my knowledge is original (4 years old) could this be the problem or is my alternator on the way out? or am i worrying about nothing?

as always thoughts and suggestions much appreciated,

many thanks
rpm100

[Sam_68]

Silly question, probably, but if it is only when under load/cold, are you sure the belt is in good condition and is tight enough?

I'f it's not the belt, next suspect would be bearings.

[rpm100]

belts look ok and the belts dont seem slack

[GTRene]

when its a bit older(belt) it can be glaced...and hardened(a bit shiny where it makes contact), specialy in the cold days!and when the rubber is stil cold and not soft but hard... so I guess you better replace the belt...its time I guess.
GTRene

[shangani]

Common problem is the alternator bearings. Mine has been making the same noise for over a year. I am told it needs replacing every time I go for a service. Still going OK though. The bearings themselves cannot be replaced - it requires AFAIK replacement of the entire alternator.

[rpm100]

how much are we talking for an alternator? (feeling a greasy weekend coming!)

[GTRene]

shangani said:

Common problem is the alternator bearings. Mine has been making the same noise for over a year. I am told it needs replacing every time I go for a service. Still going OK though. The bearings themselves cannot be replaced - it requires AFAIK replacement of the entire alternator.

every time you go for a service? they try to trick you a bit, but also when they talk that easy I think on those altenator type's its a known "problem" then??
But in the other thread the dealer also talked that way about a clutch replacement every 15.000mls...funny man that is...
GTRene

[triumphman1]

Repolaced the rear bearing on my series 2 111s £3.00 from bearing factor. You need to be carefull with the slip rings but its possible. Any good auto electrician should be able to replace the bearing about £20.00.

[shangani]

Excellent news - thanks for the tip. Lotus were only interested in selling me a new alternator.

[enjybenjy]

Mine does a bit too, specifically if it's been raining. my belt is ed though, got all cracks in it and stuff. I normally spray some wd40 onto the alternator bearings and it's fine for some time. got a B coming soon so the belt will be replaced