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Bug512 · 11-23-2014, 07:03 PM

Hello, today we took Hilda out for a stretch to keep everything lubricated, charged and so on while she is in storage for winter. We drove about 30 miles so everything was up to temperature but when I parked her I heard this noise from the engine area. To me it almost sounds like when a alternator is charging a lot of current. But maybe it' the belt tensioner ? What do you all think? Any personal experiences with this noise ?

YouTube Link

UFO Pilot · 11-23-2014, 07:14 PM

Sounds like a bad bearing to me.

Mine was the A/C compressor bearing.

Bumps · 11-23-2014, 07:23 PM

I agree ... it sounds like a bearing getting ready to go ... a small bearing. An alternator bearing, perhaps? \ken

TeJay · 11-23-2014, 08:05 PM

Those types of noises are fairly easy to isolate. Any decent tech with a stethoscope can find it. The bearings associated with either the alternator, or the belt tensioner cost about $5. What I'm saying is this should not be an expensive fix. Don't let them talk you into something that you may not need. It all rests on finding a decent honest tech who will actually fix just what's wrong and not try to scam you.

If you have questions regarding the diagnosis don't hesitate to PM somebody or post again.

TeJay

Bug512 · 11-24-2014, 04:04 AM

I would do the repair myself, since I was a mechanic in a past life. I do have a stethoscope and could place it on the alternator but I have to say from experience that noises travel and that method is not 100%.

Funny you say to replace just the bearing in the alternator, in the 80's we have several alternator / starter repair places in the area today we have none. I think the coast effectiveness went out the window when shop labor rates went over $125 a hour, it was less expensive to get a rebuilt alternator then the downtime of getting one rebuilt.

Thanks for your opinions and maybe a alternator is in our near future.

TeJay · 11-24-2014, 05:59 AM

Bug512,
I have often recommended that the forums come up with and use a scale so a poster could list their mechanical skills. Often a response is aimed at the zero level of understanding and not at the 8,9, or 10 experience level.
You are correct about the stethoscope. It can be troubling because sound travels. It usually does help to somewhat narrow down the field.
I also recognize that we just don't have the re-build shops that we use to. That said, the cost of re-built or new alternators has also sky rocketed. I'd probably replace the alternator also if that's where the noise is coming from or just re-build it my self.
It sounds like you've got the know how and skill to handle this problem. Best of luck with it.
To tell you the truth I couldn't hear any high pitched bearing noises on your video. But even when I was a young man I couldn't hear them. Even my hearing aids today don't help with that much.

TeJay

Full.Monte · 11-24-2014, 07:54 AM

To me it sounds like a pulley is rubbing on something right next to it. Loose pulley, or too much end play on alternator or water pump shaft?

Mixmanbob · 11-24-2014, 07:41 PM

I have a similar noise. The tensioner is on the bottom of the engine. I crawled under and hit it with belt dressing, the noise quit. I ordered a tensioner and a idler pulley. I got them today but haven't installed yet. The total for both was $122. There is another post further down "8.1 owners beware" that speaks to this,also.

Full-Timers · 11-24-2014, 07:49 PM

Insted of a stethoscope try holding a rubber hose near the component. It's better at pin pointing the noise.

Bug512 · 11-24-2014, 07:55 PM

Thanks everyone !

Brazel's RV Performance · 11-24-2014, 10:19 PM

From my experience that sounds like the a/c compressor bearing starting to fail.

Bug512 · 11-25-2014, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonBrazel

From my experience that sounds like the a/c compressor bearing starting to fail.

Thanks again !

We will have to wait until spring (April) to investigate any further. We have a weekend trip (80 miles) planned, this is our make sure everything works trip then a 300 mile trip in May.

Again, thank you to everyone who took the time to listen and comment.