Alternator Seized???

[pnzr911]

Car was really noisy this morning. The noise seemed to be coming from the Alternator. After driving one block my Battery idiot light came on and the noise got worse. I pulled over and could smell burning rubber. Hmm checked oil and it was ok. I started the car and the noise went away so I drove back to the house (1 block away) as I approached the noise came back even louder and now smoke was pouring from my engine!!!

I pulled into the garage and opened the deck lid only to find the alt belt smoking and partially melted. Checked the oil again and it was fine. Rest of the engine including the fan are fine. Seems to me that the Alternator shaft has seized. Any ideas? Help!!



Thanks in advance!!

[pbs911]

Yep, it sounds like the bearing froze. Weren't there any sounds coming from the alternator prior to its seizing? A bearing will usually give a little growl sound when the bearing is going out. Just replace the alt and it should be fine. I doubt the one block drive to your home caused any damage by over heating the motor since the fan was not moving air over the cylinders.

[Jim Sims]

Also check the fan tips/shroud interface; a bad alternator bearing can cause rubbing there due to excessive runout before it seizes. Good luck, Jim