Kolshak

I know there is another new thread about the same topic, but this is a different question. I recently noticed my engine making a (expensive) new sound - like a bearing going bad. My local indie says it is the alternator going bad ($900 for part + 2 hours labor). Evidently cost & labor are fair but has anyone else had an altenator go bad after 20,000 miles or is this an age issue because the car is a MY01? I'm not having any voltage problems, so unfortunately it isn't just a regulator. Can an alternator be rebuilt to fix a bad bearing or do I just pony up for a new one?
Thanks for any insight

99firehawk

very rare for altrnator noise, id be sure to check the idlers first, if you trust the shop then trust them if not find someone else

Kolshak

Idlers? Not sure what they are but I'll do a search - thanks.
I do trust the shop but an alternator going bad after 20K seems odd. I realize it is over 5 yrs old, but still.

99firehawk

the idler pulleys are the 2 small pulleys the belt runs on

dennisdesouza

Just brought my 01' 996 into Pioneer Porsche for the same problem. Not sure of the cost since I bought an extended warranty 2 years ago. It hopefully will be covered under the GE warranty.

porsche-t

Have your indie pull the serpentine belt and spin the idler roller and belt tensioner. My car made a slight squealing noise and it was idler roller.

Kolshak

Unfortunately mine is a bad bearing-type/metal on metal kind of sound and not just a squeal, however I will probably be squealing a little if I have to get a new alternator.
Dennis - how many miles on your 01?

99firehawk

the idler pulley bearings are a prty common failure 9/10 times its the upper one, take out your air cleaner make sure the maf wire is out of the way of the belts, start the car, use a pry bar or long screw driver to touch the center bolt of each idler and place the handle to your ear (stay clear of moving parts Im not liable if you stick your tie in the belt) u will hear where the noise is coming from, also listen to the alternator case

Kolshak

Brad - thanks, I'll check it out.

99firehawk

http://www.911pcar.com/images_Porsch...s/IMG_4303.JPG
the 2 smaller rusty pulleys in that picture the right is the tensioner the left is an ider and there is a 2nd idler that is held by the inboard alternator bolt, missing in that picture

Kolshak

Thanks again - One of those pulleys seem a more likely culprit then the alternator.