I think i've posted a thread or two about the "moaning" or "whining" sound that my car's been making. Well i finally pinned it to the alternator. When i turned my car on COLD last week and flipped the lights on, it got lower in pitch. When driving at night, the dash lights get BRIGHTER when i'm moving at higher RPMs. If it was JUST the noise, i could wait on it, but that dash light thing scares me. Everyone agree that this HAS to be my alternator?

I want to replace it this weekend, but i'm just wondering what the best replacement would be. Alternators from the dealership are twice the price of the ones at Autozone, Napa, and Advanced Auto Parts. Is there any MAJOR difference that I should be concerned about? (other then the fact that the aftermarket ones are more then likely refurbished) I don't have a system (stock BOSE) and other then a phone charger or portable GPS, I don't plug anything electronic in. I know a bunch of people had mentioned getting a bigger alternator. If it's not going to benefit me with a stock setup, I don't think i need to go that route. Any info on the best place to get it and the best one (specs) to buy would be apreciated.

[edit]
found this one at advance auto parts online:
Worldwide 13402
around $200. . .there's one for $300. . .and i'm ALL for spending more to get better, but it says it's 85Amps?? can that be right? I thought we needed 110? That's what the Worldwide one is. . .anyway. . . .
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NOW. . .for the installation.

I put a new alternator into my 93 Sentra fairly easily about 6 months ago. I'm just wondering if the procedure would be as easy in the Max? It just seems like things are a little closer together in the Max then the were in the sentra.

-James

 

yeah installation is simple. i have one for sale used if you want one.

 

I just installed a Duralast Reman alternator from AutoZone last week. It had "nissan" cast into the case just like the OEM unit. I don't have any reason to doubt the quality. Lifetime warranty for $160, it's hard to go wrong.

Installation wasn't too hard. Just be sure and unhook the wire from the AC clutch. That way the AC compressor can move farther our of the way...

 

If my alternator was putting out stock amperage and passed a bench test I would most likely reground it. My alternator was whining through the radio and heaters as well. I ran a 4 gauge ground wire from the alternator to the negative terminal on my battery. The whining went away 100%. Running all of your stock electricals and a GPS is enough to get a alt whine. I would hate to see you waste 160 dollars for an alternator and continune to get a whine or hum after an installl. Good Luck MY .02

 

thanks for the input.

The whine is NOT coming from the speakers though. It's coming from the alternator itself. So i'm pretty sure it's not a grounding issue. It also happens when the GPS and/or phone are not plugged in.

-James

 

Also I foget to mention Walmart carries the duralast extreme batteries for 57$. You can get one (i forget the battery number) with 1000 cold cranking amps and a 3 year replacement warranty through walmart. I run these battery im my other vehicles as well as my CBR. Never an issue (as a matter of fact after 2.5 years I replaced my cbr battery just because it was getting weak on turnovers....new one with no questions asked!)

 

that's hot about the batteries. I'll keep that in mind if mine goes. Just got the max in december, so i'm not sure how old the battery is.

 

replacing it is fairly easy. just remove four bolts that hold the ac unit, remove ac line. remove long bolt that holds alt and 1 or 2 nuts and off she comes. autozone has a good one with lifetime warranty and strauss if you have one. they are pretty decent and should give enough current.