Alternator Grinding noise!
 

Hey guys, i've been struggling with this one for a while now, I thought it was a heat shield of some sort, but now I believe it is coming from INSIDE the alternator, so does the Porsche mechanica at the dealership ...

Has anyone ever encounter such noise? it sounds like there is a ball bearing loose and just flying around in there whenever the car is on. The sound drowns out once the engine is revved, prolly cuz the engine gets louder.

How hard is it to take the alternator out, and apart, to look for the problem, or should I just get another unit and put it in?

I'm looking for the best place to get one, the price ranges from $50 to $300, for a used or remanufactured unit, any tips?

Thanks.
E

Rather than expending the effort to remove alternator, just remove drive belt and spin the pulley by hand to make sure the noise comes from the alternator. That way there is no other engine noise to drown out what you are trying to hear. It also eliminates all other possibilities.

bump ...

I have the same sound coming from my car. My local Porsche mechanic also thought it was the alternator.

Just a thaught, someone on this board did a post a short while ago indicating that rebuilt alternators may have soft bushings and that too much tension will wear then out prematurely. This may or may not apply!

Mark
'86 944NA