Alternator woes

[911Brian]

Well, when I left work and started up the pcar, I noticed a scratching/grinding sound. I looked right at the fan and thought it was scraping the shroud. It looks like it is just a wee little bit. This just happened all of a sudden. When I got home, I took off the belt and was able to wiggle the shaft side to side and up and down but still spin the fan freely. My assumption is that the alternator bearings are shot. My ?. How hard is it to replace just the bearings and where can I get them?

I have search our host and couldn't find them.

Thanks again guys!

[dean]

Find a local bearing supplier and bring your old bearings in and they will match them.

[Jim Sims]

Don't assume it is the bearings. The fan shroud (the housing clamped to the engine by the steel band to which the alternator is bolted) could be cracked at the vanes (spokes). This will allow the movement you describe. It also could be that the plastic bearing retainer at the back of the alternator housing has failed. If it is the bearings, new ones should properly installed; typically this means heating the bearings moderately (rebuild shops use a heating plate designed for this purpose) and pressing them on by loading the inner races only. Cheers, Jim

[911Brian]

Thanks! I am going to remove everything this evening and take a look.

[targa80]

More than likely it is your bearings that are going. Removal of the bearings can be accomplished with a good bearing puller. Each bearing has a part number stamped on the side. As mentioned previously call a local Bearing supply house from your local phone book. I was able to purchase each bearing and if I remember right the cost was ~ $25 and $45. I did mine in 1999 in San Diego. I put the stator shaft in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer. The bearings I heated in the oven and they slipped on fairly easy. Check your brushes you may want to replace them to while you are in there.

[911Brian]

I got the alternator out and the fan off! I can hear a little bit of grinding and sometimes it will bind just a little when I spin the shaft I take it the bearings are toast? Plus, the little plastic cap over the rear bearing basically disintegrated when I tried to put it back on. Tomorrow it is off to get it repaired/replaced.

[Jim Sims]

Check the brushes and commutator segments for wear or damage.

[911Brian]

Thanks Jim! I am probably going to replace the whole thing. With that, I can get a lifetime warranty.