Hey guys. A friend of mine has a 2009 Camry 4 cyl and the alternator is whining. The car has over 200k miles on the original alternator. Yes, you heard it right. Question is should I go with Denso reman or new alternator like BBB industries? Any other suggestions?
Alternator whine
- Thread starter iCurious
- Start date
How easy is it to replace?
My general rule is, if it is an easy job (IE on top of the motor, couple bolts 15 min job done) then I will take the chance of a (decent name brand) reman/new unit (with a decent warranty)
If it is a real PITA to replace, I'll get the best thing I can put hands on so I only have to do the job once.
In reality, there's a whole lot of junk out there now, some with good names on them, and some with garbage names on them.
My general rule is, if it is an easy job (IE on top of the motor, couple bolts 15 min job done) then I will take the chance of a (decent name brand) reman/new unit (with a decent warranty)
If it is a real PITA to replace, I'll get the best thing I can put hands on so I only have to do the job once.
In reality, there's a whole lot of junk out there now, some with good names on them, and some with garbage names on them.
Although yes, the alternator could be on its way out with >200K miles on the vehicle.
However, how is the alternator charging?
Is it doing its job?
And has the battery been tested?
Alternators will struggle/whine to keep up with a weak battery.
Just a thought!
However, how is the alternator charging?
Is it doing its job?
And has the battery been tested?
Alternators will struggle/whine to keep up with a weak battery.
Just a thought!
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I'd go new. Denso remans don't replace the bearings. Either that or just replace the bearings yourself.
I agree. Load test battery first. If it's an FLA with pop tops, check each cell with a hydrometer. May have a bad cell in it. If all is good with the battery, I believe the alternator is up front. Easy Peasy. I would go with a brand that gives you a lifetime warranty. I think Autozone does, Napa, etc. Shop around. No sense spending all that $$$$ on a Denso with a car with over 200k on it. I have a Napa in mine for 4 yrs. Works fine. An 06' Camry 4cylinder. Not too many toys in it to burn it out.... The hardest part is moving that serpentine belt, then 2 bolts and wiggle it out. Then I bought a $5 ammeter that plugs into 12 volt outlet. Has 2 USB ports on it too. Displays the output of alternator, rather than waiting for the idiot light to come on if it dies. Alternators give you signs of death when they drop below 12 volts for a minute, but not enough to trigger the dash light.,,,and you can watch for overcharging...Nice LED readout. Scamazon.
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Replace or grease the bearings and keep going. Sold our camry with over 250k on original alternator. You'd be lucky to get 50k miles on a parts store alternator
Yes, that's an option also. Take it to a rebuilder. But those guys are a dying breed. Tough to find em nowadays. Use to use a guy 60 miles away from my house. In business for 80 years. Man, he was good. Now he closed up shop. He had said the aftermarket was killin his business a few years before he closed. He did everything. 18 wheeler starters & alts, commercial stuff., 6 volt stuff... I got lost in that shop. I was amazed at all the tools and testers. What a shame. 
Unless the whine is bad bearing noise I'd let it go as long as it was charging properly. Then I'd replace it with the cheapest new one with good reviews on amazon, but that's me.
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Good advice. I got 370k out of my Denso alt in my 2007 Tundra and recently had a Denso reman from the dealer installed, it was suprisingly inexpensive with the labor...like $400 all in. I'm at 388k now, all good.
No, I wouldn't let it go. Had an OEM alt on a 1986 Chev Celebrity V-6. Slight whine. Then it caught fire ( 80k)..... I guess the bearings seized up, I dunno. Next thing, the whole car was in flames. So, I would get to the bottom of it ASAP. No fun sitting on a guard rail as the FD hoses down what's left of you're car. It shorted all the wiring and caused a domino effect to the wiring harness. Guess it got too hot. Don't play cat and mouse with it. Check the battery 1st, if ok, change out that alt. Not trying to scare you, but it can happen.
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