Noise from alternator/fan area
 

Have recently noticed a different noise coming from the fan/alternator area of car. Adjusted belt and it helped for awhile however noise has returned. Alt seems to rotate free of grinding when belt unhooked however I am unsure how "freely" it should turn if bearings are good. Any easy way to see if alternator bearings are going as opposed to bad fan belt or belt that requires further adjustment?

A description of the noise would be helpful.
Bad bearings won't necessarily make a grinding noise while free spinning.

Is the fan scraping the housing? Disconnect belt and check for any freeplay of the fan- kinda like you check the front wheels for worn bearings.

Thanks for the response guys. I will check for clearance with fan and provide a better description of noise when I return home this evening.

Sometimes when belts age and dry out, you will hear a grinding noise. Try a new belt first before attempting the alternator R&R.

I think it could be worn alternator bushings. If there is no grinding noise, then you can keep it going with a better fitting fan belt. I'd look for the Continental belt, or the Porsche OEM belt. Gates and others don't seem to fit as well. The Porsche belt has to be ordered and shipped from Germany and can take a few weeks.

Another potential problem may be a worn pulley, which may cause fit issues with any brand of belt.