I was wondering if the Shim / Thick Flat Washer ended up being the problem?
I just replaced a bad alternator and a similar washer was included with the new Bosch Alternator. The alternator that I took off didn't have this washer in place, but I left the washer in place on the new alternator shaft anyway. I saw no reference in the Bentley manual to do so; however, it seemed to make sense to leave it on the shaft, so I did.
My problem is that even after a straight forward and seemingly successful alternator installation I have a new noise coming from the general area.
The noise is intermittent and erratic, somewhat dull as if something was rubbing/interacting with a tin plate. Not harsh or alarming, but it clearly shouldn't be making the noise at all. It comes and goes every 30 seconds or so but hasn't stopped yet.
I removed the A/C belt and loosened the fan belt by one shim to see if noise was tension related. While I might say the noise seemed less apparent, it still exist. I then tried to think of anything that may have been different, hence the washer question. I guess I was hoping that the washer might be the source of the noise if it wasn't supposed to be there. But after reading this thread, maybe it should be there and my problem lies somewhere else.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
