How long should an alternator last once it starts whining?

Bertsta

Alternators fail at the bearings or windings. If the bearings fail, it will still charge but eventually the bearing will collapse and may leave you with collateral damage as the belt and pulley try to escape the engine bay. Have it inspected. It may just be a noisy belt.

Anonymous

Not sure if it helps, but when my wives started whining I’ve usually found a new one within two years. Unlike a car, the maintenance occurs *after* I’ve changed them.

amy lynn

Are you sure it is the alternator - it could be the belt that turns the alternator. If it is the belt, it can also affect the water pump and the starter. Typically, an alternator goes out quickly. Some auto shops will test your alternator for free - call around and ask. Don't forget to check with parts stores too, like Auto Zone if you have one in your area.

Fred

My guess is you have a faulty bearing in it. Likely it would be a good idea to have it fixed as one day it will die while you are driving the work and then your big troubles start. If the bearing collapses then likely you arte up for a new alternator.

duck you sucker!

IDK. Maybe a day, maybe six months. RU sure it is alt? Could be a pulley near it. Put your thumb in your ear, press a New, Unsharpened pencil, eraser up , to it, while it's idling ( Be Careful !!) . Poke at front and back of alt to see if it is the alt and Which bearing. If not, go to a tensioner pulley near it. Also, worn brushes can still work but probably make a sound from the rear. These are Usually easiest part to replace on one. Bearings last 200K. Alternator is usually last to go. If you are sure, repair it or replace. .Like a water pump, it can strand you unless you keep one eye on gauges. EDIT: Alternators have ball bearings front and needles in a "cup" on back. That Isn't a grease cover. Entire rear bearing can be pressed out the back. ( At Least the Delco/ND/Mopar and Ford-built aircraft ones I dealt with.)The bushings are in starters. Rebuild a few of those, too. Whomever TD has Never rebuilt an alternator. Same crowd who cant tell an open diode from shorted one nor know voltage regulator has current limit and there is fuse/ fusible link . I have fixed about 3 or so. If I Agreed with y'all, we'd Both be wrong...

Anonymous

It could just be a bad alternator pulley. The pulley can replaced without having to remove the alternator. See a mechanic to confirm. You can replace the alternator NOW so your chances of getting stranded are reduced.

arther

get some bearings put in it if it can be taken apart, may as well do the brushes while your at it. Its screaming at you to do something about it leave it go and it will hold you up. Do you enjoy standing on the side of the road by a broken down car? In most cases a new replacement isn't that expensive if no need a tow due to it breaking the money you saved by not doing it is gone

thebax2006

Are you sure it's not a drive belt bearing? A noisy alternator can stop working at anytime. Keep an eye on the volt gauge. If it doesn't charge above 13 volts I'd replace it before you get stranded.