The past few days its been raining really bad. I noticed that the alternator does a squeeky noise or is straining I think when it gets wet. Is this a sign that is might be going on me. I drove many times before this in heavy rain and the alternator never strained on me.

Should I replace or should I run it until it goes on me. The car just turned 10 years in March.

 

You can have the alt tested at just about any auto parts store for free. Are you sure water simply isn't getting on the belts causing a high-pitched wine for a few seconds? That's most likely what it is. Or a belt could already be loose/worn and the water simply makes it more noticeable for a few seconds.

 

I replaced the drive belt about a year and half ago. The power steering belt has yet to be replaced.

I know water has a tendency to expedite alternator failure so I just want to be sure. I will check it out at Autozone, but knowing my luck I better change this in the next couple of months.