Alternator Squeal

[thatblondechik]

I saw that there were a few threads dedicated to this, but it's still got me stumped.

I was going through routine work on my car (belts, plugs, wires, all that stuff) and replaced everything. All of a sudden I get a squeal at startup. Thinking that maybe the belt just needed to stretch a little, I let it be for about a week. A week later, it starts squealing non-stop. So I pull the belts off one at a time and find out it's the alternator. Took it to Auto Zone, had it checked, it's fine. Checked my harmonic balancer for wobble, nada. I re-tensioned and replaced the belts twice just to be sure but I still have a cold squeal that gets progressively worse until I re-tension the belt. But then it starts all over again.

I'm stumped. Any ideas?

 

[nfernotalon]

Make sure you tension it quite a bit and your tensioner is in good working order, none of the bolts stripped and stuff like that, make sure your belt isnt getting wet some how..

 

[gsxn98]

Have the same problem. Took me almost a year to figure out. I bought an engine stethoscope and found out that it was a bad bearing inside the alternator.

 

[tcpx]

mine has that DSM alternator squeal for a few seconds during startup too... especially so on cold mornings

 

[thatblondechik]

Have the same problem. Took me almost a year to figure out. I bought an engine stethoscope and found out that it was a bad bearing inside the alternator.

A bad bearing...like the pulley itself?

Make sure you tension it quite a bit and your tensioner is in good working order, none of the bolts stripped and stuff like that, make sure your belt isnt getting wet some how..

Bolts are good, my tensioner is pristine. And I don't think it's getting wet. I have a small oil leak from the turbo return but that wouldn't do it.

 

[gsxn98]

No its not the pulley itself. It is inside the alternator on the backside closest to the motor. Get a stethoscope. They are like 4 bucks at the hardware store and you will understand. The only way to fix is a rebuild or new alternator. I got a used one off a 2g and it fixed it.

 

[thatblondechik]

Ok, thanks so much. I'll check that out tomorrow and let you guys know.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Yes mine does the same thing gsxn8, especially here in Michigan in the morning then it stops. Hope you figure it out your problem.

 

[thatblondechik]

Ok, me being the cheap bi*** that I am, I used an actual stethoscope. Heard an odd noise, and asked my dad to listen (he'a a 30 year mechanic) and he didn't know either, but he said it wasn't a bearing. Then I happened to just glance at the bay in such a way...that I noticed the pulley on the alternator is leaning a bit to the left. So the things out of line causing the squeal.

That's the verdict! So, new question. Can I replace just that pulley or does the whole alternator have to go?

 

[4G63dsm1]

Like GSXN8 said, you have to get a new altenator or rebuild one.

 

[91 Turbo Mitsu]

Just to add a note from a someone who has been a mechanis for 12 years when I have had problems with customer cars doing this take a wire brush and clean the alternator pulley. Sometimes you get an almost invisible build up on the pulley like aglaze that can cause this. I also had a scenario where we replaced a belt on a Kia and I always use Gates belts. This thing ate up two belts in a week and I finally said to hell with it and threw on a cheap belt and it worked great. No idea why but it is another option for you to try. If your pulley looks crooked check your mounts and bolts because something is misaligned of bent. Take the belt of and free spin the alternator and see if the pulley wobbles. Then go from there. Also the tension on your belt should be set so that at the longest distance between the pulleys you should be able to push down on the belt and have it deflect about 3/8 of an inch.

 

[d32a]

Anyone know what mileage should the alternator be changed? I'm doing major maintenance now and I got the car at 64,990 and now its at 67 should I change the alternator as well along with my belts, thermostat, water pump etc.?

 

[drewvr4]

Don't change the alternator until its dead, when you see the price you will see why.

Timing belt
Balance Shaft Belt
OEM Water Pump

Make sure you put just a little vasoline on that water pipe o-ring to make sure it slides over and doesn't tear

 

[thatblondechik]

Just to add a note from a someone who has been a mechanis for 12 years when I have had problems with customer cars doing this take a wire brush and clean the alternator pulley. Sometimes you get an almost invisible build up on the pulley like aglaze that can cause this. I also had a scenario where we replaced a belt on a Kia and I always use Gates belts. This thing ate up two belts in a week and I finally said to hell with it and threw on a cheap belt and it worked great. No idea why but it is another option for you to try. If your pulley looks crooked check your mounts and bolts because something is misaligned of bent. Take the belt of and free spin the alternator and see if the pulley wobbles. Then go from there. Also the tension on your belt should be set so that at the longest distance between the pulleys you should be able to push down on the belt and have it deflect about 3/8 of an inch.

Yea, we did that when we were looking for the squeal. Wire brushed all the pulleys. The pulley is all cockeyed even with all the belts off...so now I have to spend $130 on a new alternator...yuck.

But thank you for the advice!

 

[1bad91tsi]

if the pully is cocked then a bearing has went south in the alt.A bearing dont always moan and i have a stratus with the 2.4 that is doing the same thing-its done it for over a year now,just waiting for it to go kaboom!

 

[d32a]

Don't change the alternator until its dead, when you see the price you will see why.

Timing belt
Balance Shaft Belt
OEM Water Pump

Make sure you put just a little vasoline on that water pipe o-ring to make sure it slides over and doesn't tear

Wow thats my maintenance money for everything the part alone is $300. Thanks for the info.

 

[jjgrizz73]

I encountered the same problem with my dsm...I even replaced the alternator and battery and played with the belt in every position (loose to extra tight) it still to this day squeals on cold mornings. If it doesn't constantly squeal at every startup and at stop signs/lights I wouldn't worry about it....you'll drive yourself nuts trying to fix it...goodluck though buddy