Is this the Alternator Bearings failing?

1. NicoP51 Newbie Joined: Apr 2012 South Staffordshire Posts: 10 1999 Saxo VTS & ZX6-R Kwak & Alfa GT Coupe

   #1 5th May 2012, 14:26

   Hi all,
   
   I have finally found a break in the weather to have a look at a squeel coming from the alternator area and was wondering if you could give me your opinion on whether it is likely to be the alternator bearings? The belt was changed about a month ago and the old one was fouling a cracked cambelt cover which had a plate rivetted across to try and ease the cracked section away from the belt. The plate did damage the belt, so I changed it. I have since filed back the plate and it no longer fouls it.
   
   I have put the video on youtube if you don't mind having a look. Also, since I bought the car the battery light has glowed slightly, I imagine this could be a charging problem, as the connections have been checked and cleaned and are not damaged.
   
   http://youtu.be/xbX-ylQge4U
2. eggy01 Regular Poster Joined: Feb 2011 kings lynn Posts: 403 Citroen Saxo Vtr

   #2 5th May 2012, 15:59

   This will be the alternater then mate if battery light come on and the squeing will be the bearings gone dry in the alternater
   
   Matt
3. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #3 5th May 2012, 16:17

   Either the above or you`ve over tensioned the belt,which can cause the bearings to make a racket.
4. NicoP51 Newbie Joined: Apr 2012 South Staffordshire Posts: 10 1999 Saxo VTS & ZX6-R Kwak & Alfa GT Coupe

   #4 5th May 2012, 17:45

   Thanks chaps, i'll loosen the tension on the belt and see if there is any difference. If not, i'll get an alternator. I would'nt mind keeping the old one and putting the new bearings in it- has anyone done this, or is a waste of time?
5. NicoP51 Newbie Joined: Apr 2012 South Staffordshire Posts: 10 1999 Saxo VTS & ZX6-R Kwak & Alfa GT Coupe

   #5 12th May 2012, 20:31

   Well, I found the problem today! After buying a bargain alternator, power steering pump and coil pack bundle for £45 I thought I would put the alternator on today. However, I quick look under the car revealed a loose alternator bolt fouling the tensioner, hence the noise! And the moral of this........check before you buy parts :-) Well, I got some good spares!
   
   On the downside, my battery light is going bright and dim and there is a fizzing behind the left hand side of the dash- some tool has cut into the wiring for a bloody sound system :-( and the clutch is almost finished!
   
   I hope the weather lasts because the fuel pump and relay on bike needs testing too!