alternator question

[shoes]

I recently bought a used '96 4runner with 150k miles for my daughter to drive back to college (1000 miles trip). A whirring sound has developed in the 3 weeks we've had the truck, and using a stethoscope, my first assumption is alternator bearings. NAPA doesn't list replcement bearings for the alternator, but JC Whitney does, so I assume they'd be available at the Toyota dealer as well. NAPA did list a 3 yr warranty alternator for $120 and a lifetime warranty alternator for $190. At 150k miles, should I just change the bearings, get the 3 yr alt or the lifetime alt? I'm assuming she'll own the truck for another 5 years or so and want it to be healthy when she leaves in May.

Thanks

 

[kvanderploeg]

I would just replace the entire alternator. You might want to look around at other auto parts stores, as you may find a better deal on one with a longer warranty from somewhere other than NAPA. This is your daughter on a 1000 mile trip, give her every advantage she can get.

 

[lookn4runr]

I also would replace the entire alternator,and soon, so that you can drive it locally for awhile, just to be sure. Also, I would be carefull of price shopping. You usually get what you pay for. IMHO I believe that NAPA rebuilt parts are better than the discount stores. NAPA would be my first choice, plus, if it does fail, perhaps a NAPA store where your daughter is would honor the warranty.

 

[hossmaster]

Have you checked the A/C idler pulley? They are on the very bottom of the engine under the A/C compressor and are prone to get all sorts of crud in the bearing causing it to fail. Check that before you spend the cash on a alternator.

 

[shoes]

Well, I had some time this afternoon, so i did a little troubleshooting. I loosened the alt belt and the noise was gone. So i pulled the alt and took it to NAPA for a bench test. It was putting out good voltage, but the noise was pretty bad. I could tell it would be just by spinning it in my hands. So i sprung for the lifetime warranty alternator and installed it tonight. The noise is gone and I won't have to worry about it anymore.

Thanks to all who replied.