I have taken out my alternator and the brushes look alright and are longer than the minimum length(according to the Haynes guide). When the alternator turns, there is some grit in the bearing it seems. Could this be the problem? The grittiness doesn't seem that bad though?
I think i am going to take it to a alternator repair shop.
Andrew
If you have it out, and you feel grit/grinding in the bearings, replace them! Also, since you have the thing in your hands, do the brushes. Clean the whole thing well with a mild automotive/electrical degreaser and reassemble. Same thing an alternator shop will do.
You may want to bring it to them for the cleaning, since they have the chemnicals/tank to do the job properly.
alternator
Alternator bearings always get noisy after a while. It seems to be a case of the cage rattling around once the pre-packed grease dries out.
While the noise doesn't necessarily mean failure is imminent, the bearings are so cheap, replacing them makes sense.
Most folks would find removing the front pulley to access it's bearing a little beyonf their capability,..the auto-electricians have the gear to do it in a jiffy.
Jason
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