So I noticed a whirring noise the other day up near the front of the engine... after a couple of short trips around town I noticed that the car didn't seem to be charging properly (a funny message or two popped up, the windows were not going back up, and the charging gauge only showed like 11 volts).


To confirm that the car was not charging properly I did the test recommended in the JTIS (disconnect the negative on the battery with the car running and check the voltage across the loose negative terminal and the positive side of the battery). The car died almost immediately when I pulled the negative cable off, indicating to me that the alternator/generator was indeed not working properly. I also took a long rod and placed it on the alternator and up to my ear and it does seem like the alternator bearings are the noise culprit... I am not sure if a worn idler/tensioner bearing would impede the belt enough to stop the charging process - it all looks normal??


So - is there anything else I should do before I go out and get a new alternator? I probably could remove the serpentine belt and check the alternator and other pulleys to see if any of them are "suspect", but if I want to get the alternator before the weekend I need to order it ASAP.


Also - if indeed the alternator is bad, what brand do you guys recommend? I can get a Denso (120 amp I think) for less than $200 or an AC Delco or Bosch, etc for slightly more. Any recommendations on a quality replacement?


As always, thanks in advance for the advice!

 

Check on getting yours rebuilt locally before you buy a new one. There are many sources along the coast due to all the yachts.

 

Yes it is probably the alternator. Watch the gauge and see if it is slow to come up to the middle or the red light is on. I went with a used OEM for $65 USD and I am very happy. There is a supertine belt in the non OEM parts list that goes for about $35 and is a direct fit. You will not have to remove anything to replace the belt if you get a 1/2 inch breaker bar, and a 15mm socket, it gives enough room to do the job. Caution - when you replace the alternator the top mounting bolt goes in from the rear.