After I just posted like 2 days ago that i never have any problems with the max. It started whining yesterday and I know im gonna have to replace it soon.

 

If the alternator is just whining but still working, there is a very good possibility that if you take it to a starter/alternator rebuiling shop they would be able to regrease your bearings which could help save you some money. I had a shop do that for me and it worked just fine.

 

Seems as though most of the poeple having alternator problems own '97s.

The whining noise is electrical...it's the voltage regulator assembly in the alternator. Funny thing is, mine was making that noise for over a year...until I replaced it. Some others have had theirs die within days of hearing the sound for the first time.

For future reference, if it were the bearings, the alternator woul make more of a grinding/scraping sound.

 

I am having the same problem! The whine sounds something like an intake, but not really. If the alternator is bad, how much would it cost to replace it? Also, I think my belts are going too. There was this loud sweaking sound. So, I sprayed some belt fluid onto it to stop the sweaking. It stopped, but it came back later on. Darn it!

 

Spraying belts is merely a "band-aid" fix. When they start squeeking they are developing a finish/glaze or something that causes them to squeel. Also if they have numerous cracks on the serrated side of the belt, might as well change them both while your at it.

 

It looks like she owns a 95/96.. But mine was whining for about a year. Then burst into flames. Haha.. =) Well the first dealership I took it to told me it was a belt that needed adjusting. Can I can say is BS! Get the whole unit replaces before you have a nice little fire under the hood.

ZuM

 

My car just started squeeking now. It sounds like a belt. The squeeking speeds up as the engine rmps increase.

New belts? New alternator (don't think so)?

Thanks in advance.

 

Maybe you'd get more help from people if you started a new thread.

 

Most likely your belts.

Now, if it squeals when you turn the steering wheel, it's the power steering (check fluid level), and if it's the alternator, it's usually a grinding noise (bearings) or a buzzing/whining (voltage regulator).

 

I just replaced my alternator and start last weekend....It's easy but takes some time to get to. It cost the amount for the part and just install it yourself. There are some parts that are difficult but nothing big. I'm not a very experienced mechanic at all. I did it. You probably want another person to help you out. Cost me $230 with lifetime warranty from pepboys.
IM me or emial me if you have any questions.

Chris

 

u should replace ur alternator asap. You dont want your car to die on you like mine did. It just died today b/c of the alternator. Bad day.. ahhh..

 

Is it just me or have a lot of altenators been going bad lately?

 

I've seen a lot of alternator post lately myself.. your not alone... do we see a trend starting here??

 

there was a post a little while back about 97s having lots of problems with alternators...mentioned something about the possibility of a recall or something, i don't remember...but it does seem as if the 97s are having a bit of alternator trouble

 

well when my car started the whining noise it was about maybe 2k miles until it completely dies and I couldn't start my car and I found out my alternator was bad...

Chris