Truck has 93K miles. It is coming due for a tuneup so I have been just slowly knocking things out. The automatic tensioner was pretty worn and rattled quite a bit. It set two misfire codes in the last two months so I tackled the belt, idler, and tensioner. While in there I took a minute to check everything as I have had a chirping on cold start that lasts about 30 seconds. I had hoped it was the idler or tensioner but despite their wear the only thing I could spin and duplicate the sound with was the alternator. It charges fine, spins well, and I feel no play but it is most definitely the alternator.
The alternator is an easy job on this truck so I am ok with replacing the bearings and gambling on it functioning for a few years. Plus opening it will allow me to inspect it's condition and I will of course replace if necessary.
My experience with rebuilt alternators has never been positive. I would gladly rebuild it myself but the quality of the rebuild kits is an unknown...