noise from alternator, need help Options

[mandrek]

i have been getting a noise lately...

let me explaine:

it starts as soon as i turn the car on. sometimes it will go for long, sometimes it disapeers as soon as i give it some gas, wile i'm driveing it will come on wile i turn the car (use power stearing, but it's not from the pump.) it's kinda like a squeeeling wine!!! could this be from the alternator getting wet?
i have a system, and my light's and EL guages have always dimmed a lil bit, but lately it has been dimming deeper, particularly when the noise is on...

could it just be the brushes on the altornator? can i just simply take it apart, clean it, lube it up, install new brushes, and then hapily go about my way???

have i succefully diagnosed the problem??? have any of u had similar problems???

i have done a search, but read nothing came close to what i am expierencing.

thank you

mandrek

[Hanyo]

its sounds like your alternator bearings are going out. Ussually you can not clean the brushes and fix the problem, because the center shaft is worn. A replacement alt. would be a good idea.

[mandrek]

ok, i was afrade of that.... hmmm advanced auto want's 110 for a new one.... that good?

[Galcobar]

Sure it's the alt? Any chance it's the water pump?

[mandrek]

well. it's comming from the front.. and there is an odd smell that comes from the area of the alt after the noise goes away..... hope that's what it is....

say are there any light weght pully's for the our alt??? (not underdrive)???