Alright hey guys

So friday my fuel pump decided to kick the can. Thankfully it was fixed quickly but the shop also said my alternator was starting to make a noise (ive heard it in car too for about a year now). What would be y'all's recommendation as to go about replacing it? Would it be best to say buy an alternator from AM or Latemodel? What would be the best choice for me there? Or would it be better to let the garage go out and pick up an alternator themselves?

Thanks for the advice

 

It depends on the noise. If the voltage/amp output is OK, then the noise is probably just the bearings going bad. If your handy with basic hand tools, you can replace them yourself. Took me about an hour. Only tricky part is getting the pulley off the front. Best to use an air/electric impact wrench for that.

However, if you just want to replace it then check out rockauto.com. Good prices & great costumer service.

 

I'm assuming that if your having a shop do it its due to a lack of tools or space, so you probably won't want to replace the bearing.

Make sure if you order offline you fill out the warranty card and register the part. Alternators are one of those things that even in good brand names its not unheard of for them to be defective.

I personally like to stay with Motorcraft parts, but when you get to stuff like this they're definitely a pretty penny. Side note - if you do get Motorcraft, try getting a Part# and typing that into the search box on amazon/google/ect. I found that Motorcraft has warehouse stores, but they label by part number and not name so you never find them. I saved $30 on an auto hub assembly for my F150 that way.

 

Alright good advice thanks. I have ample space and ample tools its just i do not trust my mechanical abilities to do much other than take the air filter out haha

 

Oh, alternators are easy in these.

1) Unhook negative battery cable.

2) Mark down belt routing. Loosen Serpentine belt (I can't remember if they have hex heads on the tensioner or if they just have a square slot to insert your 3/8 drive socket wrench to turn it. Pull belt off alternator pulley and set loosely aside. *try to keep ribs on other pulleys

3)Unhook wiring connecter and unbolt larger wire that runs to fuse box from alternator.

4) Remove Alternator bolts, remove and replace alternator, re-install bolts. Someone I think showed me the torque specs are at 35 ft lbs, but that seems a little high to me. I think 25 would suffice. Just snug them up if you don't have torque wrench.

5) Plug connector back in and re-bolt power wire back on. use wrench to turn tensioner and slip belt back into place, making sure ribs are lined up on all pulleys.

6)Re-hook Negative cable. Check to make sure everything is moving in place alright and there is no noise after startup. If you have a DVOM, check to make sure alternator is putting out proper voltage. (I consider 13.5-14.5v normal and idle.) If not, it might be a good idea to let your local mechanic check quick.

Just in case you want to save money

 

Are there no alternator shops in your town? Im lucky in that a guy has a place here in my town that rebuilds them. He has great prices and the guy has done it since high school so about 60 years and is a PRO. Love it.

 

I wish Daehawk! That would really be nice. Im pretty sure we dont but I have two local mechanics who are very trustworthy. And NicStaner thank you so much for the advice that really does sound doable. I mean the alternator still works but i think its just the bearing making a very loud audible ticking noise at low speeds and has for a few years or so now.