Alternator Problems?

[OZCarrera3]

Well, the honeymoon is over after only 6 weeks! The Carrera has developed a rather nasty low, grumbling sound from the vicinity of the fan. It started with two squeals similar to a slipping fan belt when I started the car, then I noticed the rumbling noise when I stopped at the next set of lights. Shortly after the alternator light and (strangely) the bottom half of the handbrake/brake warning light came on.

As I was close to home (about a mile), I limped back using low revs. So now the questions:

1) I assume its the alternator (yes belt is still in place and I can see no signs of scraping on the fan shroud)?
2) I assume also that most likely is a bearing?
3) Have I done too much damage limping home?
4) Should I get it towed to the workshop which is about 10-15 miles away (I'm assuming yes)?
5) Any idea of likely cost and is it something that can be fixed in a day (need the car Saturday)?

Not really that upset, she's nearly 28 years old. I've got to expect this type of thing to happen now and again.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[tsuter]

Sounds like alternator bearings. Loosen/remove the belt/pulley and then grab the fan/shaft and see if it can be shaken around. It should not. You may be able to shake around with belt still on -Spin by hand and you should hear the rumble of the bad bearings.
If so put back together (tighten fan belt)and drive your 15 miles. Won't hurt it anymore and its got to be replaced any way.
Often these fail do to overtightened fan belts.
Removing fan/alternator yourself isn't too hard either.

If noise is not fan/alternator bearing then it could be worse so make sure before driving to shop.

[Rot 911]

Replacing alternator is around a 1-2 hour job if you haven't done it before. Really not that hard.

[echrisconnor]

Same exact thing happened to me a couple weeks ago only I was at driver's ed. The advice above is dead on. Alternators can be expensive though. You can probably have one rebuilt for around US $200 or buy a rebuilt one for around $250.

If you throw your car on the charger and then drive it to the shop, you're probably not doing any more damage than is already done. They can run for well over an hour on the battery alone (trust me, I did this).

If you pull the alternator yourself and the bearings are not bad you can sometimes just replace the brushes.

[TerryBPP]

Check into having your alternator rebuilt. I am in the process of having mine done right now. $60

[OZCarrera3]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your replies.

Will have a look at this on the weekend and have a go at it myself. This will be my first attemt at home repairs, seems like a reasonably easy first job.

tsuter, will take note of your advice and make sure it is the alternator before driving any further.

Thanks again guys! Wll let you know how I go.