Chris_924s

While on a Sunday pleasure drive I noticed a squeal that started about 20 minutes into a 65mph highway drive. Got off at the exit and drove another 10 minutes thru town traffic and it evnetuall got loud enough to warrant me pulling over to check out where it was coming from. The high-pitched squeal seemed to be enanating from the alternator- it sounded metallic - not un-like a belt squeal, but I know belt squeal rather well and this wasnt it.
The opil pressure dropped to 1 1/2 bar and the heat rose rather quickly. I proceeded to my destination and the squeal subsided in the next 7 miles or so opf 55 mph driving. The heat returned to normal and the oil pressure had levelled out at about 4.

Stopped in the Casino for 3 hours or so- started it up and drove home without any incident or any squeal. at all.

I know this is my car telling me it needs something- has anyone ever experienced this?

Can an alternator bearing be replaced? Isthere anything I need to be looking at?

I'll check a few things tomorrow- she's in for the night while I think about this..

What I know-

The AC/ Alt belt feels OK- about 1/8th turn deflection.
I saw no electrical power loss at all.
On the ride home I was at normal temp and oil pressure..
We've had a ton of rain in the last 2 days and she sat in the parking lot and hadn't been run since Friday am.


Any Ideas??

Luis de Prat

If this is the original alternator on the car, methinks it's on its way out. BTDT. Sorry!

Fortunately, you can get one fairly inexpensively at your local Autozone. Bosch rebuilts are a good option. Make sure the voltage regulator has been replaced if you get a cheapo rebuild like those from Vertex.

Chris_924s

Thanks Luis.. That's exactly what I had been thinking. AFAIK it's original- I know I havent replaced in in the 7 plus years I've owned the 924S.

Doesnt it seem weird that it would squeal that much, then cease?

Luis de Prat

The original unit on my 83 did just that. It started, then stopped for several days. Then came back with a vengeance and started grinding until it finally went out with a bang. I'd say you still have a bit on this one, but its days are counted.

Had mine rebuilt in Louisville, KY back in '95 for $129.

Chris_924s

Hmm.. I may be in Lousiville early this week- care to share who did the work? If theyre still around I'll drop them a line and tell them you sent me-

Luis- your the best man, thanks.

Dilberto

That bone-jarring shreik is one of the most annoying sounds I have heard- other than a certain Brazilian Parrot that freaked-out at us, playing with it. Re-tension the belt, and see if that works too. I know belt dressing is 10 x better than soap of any kind too.

Zach

83na944

Chris,

The bearings can be replaced. Have them replace the brushes/voltage regualtor, too. It'll be good as new. BTW, I'd be really suprised if you can't find someone in Cinncinatti to do this too. Look in the yellow pages under automotive electric shops.

Luis de Prat

You know, Chris, after all these years, I think I still have that receipt... But Steve is right, it's very likely that you have someone local who can do the work for you instead of hauling to Louisville.

Yep, I still have it:

Hughes Electrical Parts Co., Inc.
4001 Mud Lane - Louisville, KY 40229
(502) 969-7564

Invoice reads like this:

1 / HEP 14825 / R&R ALTERNATOR / EXCH. 120.00 / TAX 7.20
TOTAL: $127.20

Keep in mind, this was back in December of 1994, so I don't know if their rates are the same or if they're still even in business.

They didn't have any like mine in stock, so they took a day or so to rebuild mine.

Glad to be of help!

Chris_924s

You guys are the best- Thanks as always!

I have all my receipts as well- it does help out identifying the "last time I bought and replaced that part". Keep your car long enough and drive it as much as I do and you'll know what I mean.

Daily drivers parts replacements seem to run in cycles- but I have to admit- after looking this morning my alternator is ORIGINAL, How's that for reliable.