Hi guys i have what i think is an alternator going bad. Lots of wurring and whining coming from fan area. Some of you already know this and it also seems to be the popular failure of the month. Anyhow my mechanic is about 38 miles away, should i drive the car up there with the fear of somthing really breaking or should i get it towed up there???? I hear this is not a difficult job but i am a total wuss, i would prolly screw it up and never get it back together.


Thanks
JERRY

 

Hi Jerry,

Can not answer you question. Capitived by the avatar!!!! Details ?

 

is it still charging the battery? If not tow! If it is its a hard call.

 

Money or time . . . if money is more important than time then drive it and just be prepared to keep an eye on the gauges and stop and wait for a tow if you get into trouble. If time is more imporant, just tow it.

 

Make sure the battery is fully charged before you leave and limit your electrical use on the drive to the shop (i.e. radio, lights, brake lights etc.). You can always pack a spare battery if you're still concerned.

Bill
90C2

 

Ok guys so lets say i drive it, and it totally craps out. Whats the worst that would happen to the engine, say the alternator siezed up what would happen??? I am inclined to drive it but if i do id like to at least know that the whole engine wouldnt be screwed up if somthiing broke.

JERRY

 

If the alt seized the belt would make a lot of smoke and noise before it broke.

 

And you are absolutely sure its the alternator bearing?
I thought my was going bad, but to make sure I disconnected the A/C belt, and it was actually the bearing in the A/C compressor, but I wasn't able to tell where the noice came from.