My 2000 Sienna makes an intermittent noise which intensify with throttle. It sounds exactly like the sound of a regular hand held power drill. My usual mechanic said it is most likely the alternator when I asked whether it is the water pump. (We could not reproduce the noise when I brought the car in).
He said not to worry about it since I can still drive some distance if the alternator fail. (Is it true ?) He suggested I bring the car in when the noise gets louder.
I am thinking of either rebuilding the alternator myself or buy a rebuild or new unit and change it myself. Is the part easy to change in the van ?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
J