Alternator Squeak

chuck16 · July 24, 2008

Hey Guys,

So after being home for 3 weeks on holidays with a Newborn Babe, My truck sat for long periods of time. Now when I start it up the Alternator squeaks for about 5 min then it goes away and it's not constant just a little "squeak, squeak, etc"

If I drive it everyday it doesn't squeak but, if it sits for more than 2 days I experience the small mouse.

My question is this: Do I keep driving until it frags or should i replace it now before it causes more damage, electrically and perhaps destroying my Serpentine belt?

I'm sure it's the Alternator cause with the Belt disengaged and me spinning it by hand I can hear a faint squeak in the Alternator.

It Still works and charges fine just a little annoying I guess.

Thoughts?

-Evan

2000DV4.8 · July 24, 2008

I'd check the condition of the A/C belt before you did anything else. I had a squeak that wouldn't go away, and when I pulled off the belt and spun the alternator, I had a small squeak just like you described. I got the alternator replaced under warranty (it was only 6 months old), but the squeak was still there. It ended up being the A/C belt. Even if it's not your problem, it's probably due for replacement anyway.

chuck16 · July 24, 2008

I just changed both belts about 3 months ago as I had to do my water pump. So I hope that the A/C Belt isn't hooped...

Thanks for the idea, though.

2000DV4.8 · July 24, 2008

I just changed both belts about 3 months ago as I had to do my water pump. So I hope that the A/C Belt isn't hooped...
Thanks for the idea, though.

If the belt's only 3 months old, sounds like the alternator's the problem.

mi.bowtie · July 24, 2008

Drive it till it makes big time noise.

DofD · July 24, 2008

Congratulations on the new little addition to your family!

If you hear the squeak in the alternator without the belt, then it's probably the alternator. I'm on my third right now. Without trying to guess at might be going wrong with the alternator, I would say replace it before it goes and possibly creates any more problems. Time for a trip to Lordco.

BTW: I've see your truck around town a few times, very nice ride.

bossier62guy · July 24, 2008

Hey Guys,

So after being home for 3 weeks on holidays with a Newborn Babe, My truck sat for long periods of time. Now when I start it up the Alternator squeaks for about 5 min then it goes away and it's not constant just a little "squeak, squeak, etc"

If I drive it everyday it doesn't squeak but, if it sits for more than 2 days I experience the small mouse.

My question is this: Do I keep driving until it frags or should i replace it now before it causes more damage, electrically and perhaps destroying my Serpentine belt?

I'm sure it's the Alternator cause with the Belt disengaged and me spinning it by hand I can hear a faint squeak in the Alternator.

It Still works and charges fine just a little annoying I guess.

Thoughts?

-Evan

Do you wash your engine frequently? If so it could be the bearing going out in the alternator. If it is the bearing it's possible it could seize up and take the serpentine belt with it. That could leave you stranded. Personally I'd have an auto electric shop replace the bearings before that happens.

Mikeee · July 27, 2008

Use the Goodyear GatorBack belt. Never a squeel or chirp.

Unless the noise gets bad worse ... just let is run.

99silverado1500 · July 27, 2008

Well I put a autozone belt and it made noise for 2 months in the winter when i bought it and now its as silent as if it wasnt moving. I replaced my power steering pump and now I get so much boost from it, my truck sounds like it has a supercharger from the power steering pump working at the different RPMs lol

pennzoil29 · July 27, 2008

+1 for Gatorback belts.

yukondan · July 27, 2008

Use the Goodyear GatorBack belt. Never a squeel or chirp. Unless the noise gets bad worse ... just let is run.

Just replaced the belts on the '01 Yukon yesterday (Factory org. had 93K miles on them and only the AC belt was starting to crack) With the GoodYear GatorBacks.

The Yukon has the 5.3 & 130 Amp alternator

part #'s

A/C Belt: 4PK0960 (GoodYear 4040377) Paid $ 16.89

Main Belt: 6PK2360 (GoodYear 4060930) Paid $ 45.19

(Prices are for purchase from local Parts warehouse, where I get a good discount PLUS They have a points rewards system that gets me dollar rewards)

I can tell a difference in quietness. I was not getting spueaks or chirps etc. w/ the old belts, Just Knew it was time to replace before the long Camping trip next month. The GatorBack design is similar to a Industrial V-Belt of "Cogged" design, This design will run cooler, Less wear on the sheaves (Pulleys for the lesser understanding), runs quieter and requires less Horsepower to operate.

While I could have bought other Name brands at half the cost and house brands at 1/3 the cost. In my experience in V-Belts and sepertine belts you get what you pay for.

chuck16 · July 27, 2008

Hey Guys, thanks for the replies. I checked again today and it appears to be the Alternator. Guess I'm off to Lordco to pickup a new one... Too bad there wasn't a way to grease them up a little. Nothing lasts forever...

Evan

chuck16 · July 27, 2008

Congratulations on the new little addition to your family!

If you hear the squeak in the alternator without the belt, then it's probably the alternator. I'm on my third right now. Without trying to guess at might be going wrong with the alternator, I would say replace it before it goes and possibly creates any more problems. Time for a trip to Lordco.

BTW: I've see your truck around town a few times, very nice ride.

Hey thanks,

Kind of neat to cross pathes with somebody in the same town. Keep us posted on the new truck of yours I'll have to come over and check it out.... Off to Lordco soon.

Evan

Zembonez · July 27, 2008

Alternator on my 05 did exactly the same thing from the day I got it. Noise was light but always there until I drove a few miles. A friend of mine took a piece of light sandpaper, folded in into a V and very lightly sanded the grooves in the pulley just enough to scuff the surface (with the belt off). The noise went away and never came back. I would have sworn it was a bearing making the noise but it was the belt/pulley doing it all along.

Worth a shot.

Outbacker · July 27, 2008

I am one who cannot stand a noise when driving, and a squeak would send me off the deep end. Glad that you found the problem and will get it fixed. Nice picture Evan. I saw it and recognized Colwood in the distance, which is where I am right now.

Cheers.