how do i know if my Alternator is bad or the bearing?

[MercNasty]

There is a squeaking noise almost sounds like a bird chirping, it doesnt quite sound like some of the bad alternator videos i have seen online. Im working on getting a video put up so you all can actually hear it. My mechanic says he THINKS it may be the alternator but he isnt sure and he wants to take everything apart. Whatever it is I want to get it fixed this week.

[MrBluGruv]

Most times I've had a bad alternator, you could feel it in the pulley by spinning it by hand. Try loosening the serpentine belt off the alternator and spinning the pulley, if it squeaks by hand you'll know that's where to start.

[MOTOWN]

depends on your definition of "bad" meaning just sqeaking (likely the bearing), or is it not charging your battery?

[martyo]

It can also be the idler that squeaks.

[fastblackmerc]

It can also be the idler that squeaks.

Either the idler or the tensioner pulley(s).

[martyo]

Either the idler or the tensioner pulley(s).

Yes true -- I should have send that!

[EMAS]

I'd say find another mechanic first and foremost. There is no excuse for "thinking it's the alternator" and wanting to tear it down. It just takes a couple of seconds to remove the belt and inspect each pulley and alt.

These cars also have a one-way clutch pulley on the alternator. Have an assistant rev the engine to 2500 and shut it off while you observe the alt and listen for the noise. If it continues after shut down it could be the pulley or the alt. With the belt off turn the alt by hand in both directions if it makes any noise or has any roughness if it does in both directions then it's likely the alt bearings if it only does it in one direction it is the bearings in the clutch pulley. With the belt off spin each of the idler/tensioner pulley as fast as you can by hand if it takes more than a second or 2 for it to come to a stop it is time for replacement. Also feel for any wobble, looseness or "rough" feeling. The pulley is available separately but you need special tools to R&R it but it can be done on the car. You should also inspect the belt for any imbeded sand or grit in the grooves, it will look like little shiny spots. A bad tensioner can also be the cause or the chirp. With the belt on and engine running with all accessories on high watch the tensioner arm if it is bouncing around then it is due for replacement.

[MercNasty]

All of this sounds great and I wish i knew how to take the belt off to inspect, but that is something i have never done before. I will make a list of things to check and take it to my mechanic, he isnt going to charge me anything to figure out what it is but he wants me to leave the car over night. NO WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[MrBluGruv]

That's actually really easy if you have a ratchet, but would probably require a picture if you've never done it before. Basically, all you need to do is pull the tensioner back (for the Marauder, if you're at the front of the car looking at the front of the engine, that would be pulling it to the right) and slip the belt off of at least one pulley. I'd recommend slipping it off the alternator pulley as a matter of fact, it's the easiest on to reach IMO when you go to slip the belt back on the pulley. You can use the ratchet without an attachment on it by putting the peg into the square notch on the front of the tensioner and pulling.

Believe me, once you try it and succeed, you'll see what I mean by ez-pz. :)

[Chevyguy]

The alternator actually has the SAME bearing inside the case that is used in the idler pulleys. This can screech and howl while the alternator still puts out proper voltage.

This can be replaced (what do you think they do when you give them your core?) but usually just replace the alternator instead.

[EMAS]

As I said before find a new mechanic if he wants you to leave it over night for a 5-10 minute inspection.

As MrBluGruv noted all you need is a ratchet or breaker bar. The diagram for the belt routing and instructions on which way to move the tensioner is on a sticker under the hood, or at least there was when it left the factory.

[MercNasty]

Ok guys thanks for all the input, tomorrow I will be taking the belt off and inspecting the alt, idler and tensioner pullies. I will report back tomorrow with the findings and to receive instructions on what to do next. Im hoping this is something that will be a cheap fix. Also should i replace my belt with a goodyear gatorback belt?

[MercNasty]

Ok so I hadnt been able to take my belt off and inspect the pullies and alternator but earlier today I was in my mechanics neighborhood so I stopped by and had him look at it again, The very first time i took it to him about the noise a few weeks ago, he said it was the alternator now today with me mentioning the tensioner and Idiler, he said its the tensioner and wants to charge me $450 to fix it. I am going to take it somewhere else and get a second opinion because he didnt take the belt off or anything he just rev the engine a few times and said it was the tensioner. I thought this guy was a good mechanic and he likes MM so I figured i could trust him. He has done good work for me in the past but Im not to sure about him this time. What are some of the signs that it could indeed be the tensioner? Im not having any problems driving the car its just a loud noise that appears to coming from somewhere around the alternator. Its like a mild squeak/squeal. Please help

[a_d_a_m]

Please help OK. As others have said, the solution to your problem is quite easy. You just need to
take my belt off and inspect the pullies and alternator Which you haven't yet done.

[boatmangc]

Just take a can of CRC 6-56 or if you can't find that WD-40 and with the car running and the pulley squeaking, spray a SMALL amount of the product directly on the shaft the pulley runs on (use the straw that comes with the can).When you spray the shafts a small amount of the lubricant will be wicked into the bearing, they will get quieter as soon as the lube hits them.

You will quickly find out which pulley it is, it is most likely not your alternator. If it is alternator the squeak will not go away or get quieter when the pulley shafts are lubricated.

And for sure as has been said several times in this thread, find a Mechanic, ask around and find out who your neighbors/ co-workers are using, go with someone with a good reputation.
Sometimes a shop that charges a higher labor rate ends up being cheaper in the long run.

[fastblackmerc]

Ok so I hadnt been able to take my belt off and inspect the pullies and alternator but earlier today I was in my mechanics neighborhood so I stopped by and had him look at it again, The very first time i took it to him about the noise a few weeks ago, he said it was the alternator now today with me mentioning the tensioner and Idiler, he said its the tensioner and wants to charge me $450 to fix it. I am going to take it somewhere else and get a second opinion because he didnt take the belt off or anything he just rev the engine a few times and said it was the tensioner. I thought this guy was a good mechanic and he likes MM so I figured i could trust him. He has done good work for me in the past but Im not to sure about him this time. What are some of the signs that it could indeed be the tensioner? Im not having any problems driving the car its just a loud noise that appears to coming from somewhere around the alternator. Its like a mild squeak/squeal. Please help
$450.00 to replace the tensionor pulley!!!!

Is going to take you to dinner and a movie before he screws you????

Go to a FLAPS, get the parts and do the job yourself. here are the part numbers.

Belts:
Serpentine (NAPA) – PBH4060923 - stock
Gatorback (Goodyear) – 4060922 - stock

Belt Tensioner:
Dayco – 305291
Goodyear – 49293

Idler Pulleys:
Dayco (smooth) - 89007
FoMoCo (ribbed) - YW7Z-8678-AA

Should take less than 30 minutes to swap out the parts.

[Ktorres1]

$450.00 to replace the tensionor pulley!!!!

Is going to take you to dinner and a movie before he screws you????

Go to a flaps, get the parts and do the job yourself. Here are the part numbers.

belts:
serpentine (napa) – pbh4060923 - stock
gatorback (goodyear) – 4060922 - stock

belt tensioner:
dayco – 305291
goodyear – 49293

idler pulleys:
dayco (smooth) - 89007
fomoco (ribbed) - yw7z-8678-aa

should take less than 30 minutes to swap out the parts.




lmfao!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ktorres1]

Whooooo.... what a laugh! Well if it makes you fell better I have the same problem and I've fix each part by troubleshooting with the steps that have been given to you. I'm down to changing what's left which is my alternator.

[TFB]

$450.00 to replace the tensionor pulley!!!!

Is going to take you to dinner and a movie before he screws you????


Yeah sure sounds like your mechanic is in love(or at least in heat) with you, $450 is a royal screwing indeed... That much money will buy a tensioner, all the pulleys, plus the alternator and you'd still have money to take your honey to dinner & a movie...

[MercNasty]

Ok, First I sprayed the shaft of the pulley with the car running and I waited a while for the lube to get in there but the noise was still present. I took the belt off which was easier than I thought, thanks to MrBluGruv, and spun the alternator pulley as fast as I could to the left and to the right. It makes more noise spinning it to the left than it does the right, the noise almost sounds like a small rock or something spinning in there. So now that we know the noise in there is noise in the alternator pulley when spun, do I just need to replace the alternator pulley?

[MercNasty]

So from what im understanding is since the pulley on the ALT makes noise when i spin it without the belt on means I will have to replace the ALT?

[TFB]

Since it makes more noise spinning to the left, you'd think it was the pulley that was faulty... BUT if the pulley was the total problem, it should be smooth/quiet turning clockwise, from your description sounds like the pulley and the alternator both have issues...

Be a good idea to check all the idler pulleys while you are checking it out...

[MercNasty]

Changed the belt, belt tensioner, and the pullies today the noise is still present, so i guess i will just go ahead and replace the alternator, hopefully that will be it.

[MercNasty]

Changed the belt, belt tensioner, idler pulley and the alternator. The noise is still there, i dont know WTF to do now, I dont have anymore money to be spending on this car right now. Im about to lose my mind

[fastblackmerc]

What brand belt did you install?

[MercNasty]

goodyear gator back

[MercNasty]

Went to 4 different autozones today and had both alternators check the new used one thats in the car and the old one that i took out the car. All 4 said both alternators are good after testing. So now im lost. Does anyone have anymore ideas.? Im not having any issues with the car, its just the noise that appears to be coming out the alternator but im not 100% sure. Could it be the bearing in the alternator making the noise?

[MOTOWN]

have you checked your a/c clutch?

[MercNasty]

yes the A/C clutch pulley is fine.

[CBT]

Damn, if you replaced all that and the chirping noise is still there.....water pump?

[fastblackmerc]

yes the A/C clutch pulley is fine.

I'd disconnect the electrical connector. Mine chirps when it engages & disengages.

[MercNasty]

I will check the water pump tomorrow, but wouldnt the car be running hot if it was the water pump?



Damn, if you replaced all that and the chirping noise is still there.....water pump?

[CBT]

I will check the water pump tomorrow, but wouldnt the car be running hot if it was the water pump?

Not at first, no.

[MercNasty]

Ok well i will check that tomorrow, hopefully thats it. Could the bearings be bad on the alternator but it stills functions properly?



Not at first, no.

[CBT]

Ok well i will check that tomorrow, hopefully thats it. Could the bearings be bad on the alternator but it stills functions properly?

It will function until that pully no longer spins, but I thought you tried two already? I wish you lived closer, we'd swap everthing off mine one piece at a time until we found the flippin problem, lol.

[fastblackmerc]

I will check the water pump tomorrow, but wouldnt the car be running hot if it was the water pump?

Take the belt off the water pump and spin it. See if it makes any noises or doesn't spin freely.

Or get a long screwdriver and rest it on the water pump while the engine is running. Put your ear on the other end of the screwdriver, if it's the water pump you'll hear it.

[MercNasty]

Yea I wish one of you MM wizards lived closer, I love working on the car but sometime Im ready to pull my hair out which isnt very long. I just hate thinking that I found the problem only to find that aint it. But I cant wait to tomorrow, so Im headed back to the garage now to take the belt off and test the water pump like FBM suggested, I will report my finding tomorrow AM. I really appreciate all the help guys.

[MercNasty]

Ok just in from the garage. Took the belt off again and spun everything from the roota to the toota.

-1rst: spun the alternator pulley, spun to the right, takes about 4 seconds to stop and there is a lil whisp/whine noise when it spins. Spun to the left, no noise but and not much spin due to it being a clutch pulley.

-2nd: spun the water pump pulley, there is no free spin and it only takes about 2-3 seconds to stop spinning in each direction. We spun to the left I hear what I believe was water but no other noise. When spun to the right there is a light ticking noise.

-3rd: spun the A/C compressor, it takes about 4 seconds to stop spinning in each direction and it makes a small noise but not very noticeable.

Everything else spun with no noise, Im thinking about sending the used alternator back and just buying a new one along with buying a new water pump and pulley. I maybe just getting New happy but I really dont want to spend anymore money unless its going to fix the problem.

What do you all think now after this inspection?

[CBT]

Ok just in from the garage. Took the belt off again and spun everything from the roota to the toota.

-1rst: spun the alternator pulley, spun to the right, takes about 4 seconds to stop and there is a lil whisp/whine noise when it spins. Spun to the left, no noise but and not much spin due to it being a clutch pulley.

-2nd: spun the water pump pulley, there is no free spin and it only takes about 2-3 seconds to stop spinning in each direction. We spun to the left I hear what I believe was water but no other noise. When spun to the right there is a light ticking noise.

-3rd: spun the A/C compressor, it takes about 4 seconds to stop spinning in each direction and it makes a small noise but not very noticeable.

Everything else spun with no noise, Im thinking about sending the used alternator back and just buying a new one along with buying a new water pump and pulley. I maybe just getting New happy but I really dont want to spend anymore money unless its going to fix the problem.

What do you all think now after this inspection?

Sounds like you'll be chasing this thing for a while if you went thru 2 alternators and a few pullys.

[04MRADR]

Was very interesting to me that I posted a question yesterday on a chirping or cricket like sound under the hood only to find this thread. My mechaic checked out the Marauder today and took all the suggestions and couldn't find tension pulley, alternator, other type pulley or bearing problem. He advised my belt looked a bit dried out and worn and since I only had a little over a year he felt it was defective so he put a new one on for free ! Hopefully this was a simple fix.

[MercNasty]

so the new belt fix your noise?


Was very interesting to me that I posted a question yesterday on a chirping or cricket like sound under the hood only to find this thread. My mechaic checked out the Marauder today and took all the suggestions and couldn't find tension pulley, alternator, other type pulley or bearing problem. He advised my belt looked a bit dried out and worn and since I only had a little over a year he felt it was defective so he put a new one on for free ! Hopefully this was a simple fix.

[MercNasty]

I had my neighbor look at it who stays a few doors down and he pretty much said the same thing as the first mechanic, he wants to open up the motor and inspect it as that is where he think the noise is coming from, he said it may be the tensioner by the timing chain or something like that. Im going to have 2 more people look at it tomorrow. Both of them supposedly have tools where they can find out exactly where the noise is coming from. I really dont want to have to open up the motor but looks like im running out of options.

[RF Overlord]

Just to be clear, you ran the motor with the belt off and it still makes the sound?

[MercNasty]

That is correct, I took the belt off twice and ran the motor the noise is still the same. I wish i would have did that first before i replaced the pullies, I could off saved a few bucks.


Just to be clear, you ran the motor with the belt off and it still makes the sound?

[fastblackmerc]

That is correct, I took the belt off twice and ran the motor the noise is still the same. I wish i would have did that first before i replaced the pullies, I could off saved a few bucks.

If that's the case then there might be an issue with the timing chains or guides.

[MercNasty]

Yes i have heard that as being a possibility, thats sounds expensive



If that's the case then there might be an issue with the timing chains or guides.

[MercNasty]

Ok i had another guy look at it yesterday and I left the car overnight. He called me a minute ago with the new. He took the valve covers off and said he found 2 busted valves, bad springs, and a broken tensioner. I cant see all this stuff being bad on the car and it still drives great. I sure hope to God that he doesnt know what the hell he is talking about. A member PM'd me that works at the Mercury dealer in Arlington so i am going to take over there to them tomorrow and see what that say. This is turning into a big headache.

[Ktorres1]

Man ima be on the lookout for this update

[MercNasty]

Well it may be a while, Ive had 8 different mechanics look at it and they all said different things from, it maybe the gas, to it maybe the oil, to it maybe the valves, to it maybe the tensioner, to it maybe the valve springs. Im just tired of dealing with it all together, I just want the freaking noise to stop, I have spent about $400 so far trying to figure out what the noise is.

[Ktorres1]

Nothing yet ???