I think my alternator is making a squeeling noise, which means that it is charging the battery right. Recently I had charged my old battery about 10 times, this due to changing the cam and the car would only turn over. So I figured that it was time to just replace the battery anyway, but now it seems that my alternator is making a noise, is it just recharging itself or is it going bad. It happens worst when I have my lights and heat on, but eventually goes away. Any ideas?

 

Mine always did that before it died. I've replaced it like 4 times. Sounds like you need a new alternator.

 

What does your gauge read?

Are you sure it isn't the AC compressor? On my cavalier it squeeled for over a year and the whole time I figured that it was the alternator bearings. I finally got brave enough to take the alternator apart and look, it looked fine. That's when I found out it was the AC compressor.

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1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula LO3 Auto
-180 degree stat
-Hooker Cat-Back
-vinyl security shade, velcro t-top bag
*****Possible summer '01 mods*****
Dual Snorkle, Auburn Posi, Keyless Entry, Wonder Bar from my IROC, 4th gen seats, T/A tail lights

http://www.geocities.com/krt80/

 

I took the ac off the car. My volt meter will go below 13 sometimes, when it makes the noise, but then again, ever since I have had the car it has done that but never made the squealing noise

 

Um, maybe check the condition of the belt?

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--Steve S--
1984 Trans Am 305 LG4, 5 speed
Daily Driver, Flowmaster 80 Series
NOW FEATURING: Holley 600 cfm & vacuum advance

 

That might be my problem, it takes a 5 groove belt, and the auto store only had a 4 groove in stock.

 

take the belt off and spin the alternater pulley by hand and listen to it. It should be smooth while spinning and quite. If you feel a grinding or its noisey replace it.

 

You put a 4-groove belt onto a 5-groove pulley?

I know with my '86 alternator, GM didn't design it too well to stay cool, so the bearings overheat and die after a while. My last alternator was squealing like crazy and actually throwing sparks out of the housing!


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
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