Alternator noise

[mk1divemaster]

Hi all ,
Just recently started getting a noise from alternator
It’s like a whirring sound and obviously gets faster the higher the revs.
Question is my alternator on the way out or can I do something to stop the noise.its defo not a belt slip issue.
If it’s on way out is it cheaper to have it reconditioned or buy second hand?
Cheers

[V6 Power Junkie]

Make sure nothing's rubbing the belt and all bolts are tight before you do anything

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[blackyb]

Does the whine/whirring get louder with more electrical load.

Have you checked its output with a volt meter.

Personal choice but if my alternator was on its way out, I would fit a new one asap. They tend to just pack up without warning. Most alternators suppliers operate an exchange units policy these days..

[V6 Power Junkie]

Make sure nothing's rubbing the belt and all bolts are tight before you do anything

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Also all the pulleys, check for loose and bearing failure in all the pulleys it runs on for wear and looseness, and also the adjuster and wheel

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[Mazda Mender]

Sounds like it could be on the way out..brushes or comms worn ..but it could also be the tension on the Aux belt to tight putting pressure on the spindle and pulley making the noise...
If it is on the way put get it chamged asap bud.
M-m

[mk1divemaster]

Got brand new alternator from eurocarparts 35% off £119 chuffed ! Just need a how to now to replace it!

[Mazda Mender]

Just make sure it is 100% the correct one before fitting,,,,,is she a 1.6 or 1.8.
M-m

[mk1divemaster]

She's a 1.6 with v belt pulley

[Mazda Mender]

Then it is far easier than a 1.8...i will put something together.
M-m

[mk1divemaster]

Get a move on then as I’m doing it now!

[Mazda Mender]

pull the electrics off the battery, pull the plug off the alternator and unbolt the earth...undo the tensioner adjustment bolts and block... push the Aux belt to one side ,wedge the rear wheels a jack the car up on the drivers front, drop her onto a axial stand, undo the 3x 10mm head bolts that hold the under tray on that side and the 1 x 10mm nut and 3 x 10mm head self tappers the hold the nose to the air guide so you can get to the bottom of the alternator , crack the hinge bolt (14mm bolt and nut) and remove , yes this can be done from above but you need to drop the alternator down and out so you might as well crack it while you are there than struggling, once the hinge bolt is clear it is just a case of pulling the alternator out and slot the new one in ,refit as removed.
M-m

[John&Luke]

Now that’s a COOL service! Bang ask a question and Wayne to the rescue!!

Love it.

Ps restoring a Mk1 over the weekend can you post a full restoration plan ASAP

[mk1divemaster]

Cheers for that Wayne!
Major problem undoing top alternator bolt that goes through adjuster block, Bar Steward thing sheared off.ordered a used bolt from autolink but going to struggle getting end of bolt out of alternator it's stuck solid ! Wd40 is my only hope !
Had to take new alternator back as fitment detail was different !

[Mazda Mender]

You have the adjuster bolt and the one that goes through the adjuster bracket and adjuster block, you should still be able to swap out and add the bolts and block when fitted.

And just as a foot note... WD40 is a water repellent ( i can tell your old school ;0) )not a freeing up oil....you want plus gas or a good penetrating spray buddy.
M-m

[mk1divemaster]

Not swapping alternator now Wayne , had fella at autotronic have a listen and he said it defo ain't alternator but vacuum leak on hose which I've replaced all good , just got to try and free this upper lock bolt on alternator now ! Any ideas would be welcome buddy