Van in my signature turns 20 this year. With the recent cold snap (-15c) it's been all well except the alternator, as it's making a disgusting grinding noise. I assume it's OE Denso based on just how it looks but i got the van with 187k on it so service history on anything except oil changes is pretty much unknown. as i ask in the title, is it possible the cold weather froze the grease in the bearings causing the failure? I've already ordered a reman 160 amp from BBB Industries off rockauto but the mode of failure is what im wondering
cold weather cause alternator bearing failure?
- Thread starter Lockasiam
- Start date
Yes, cold weather can cause a worn bearing to start squealing to the point you’d want to replace the alternator. Been there, done that.
can i post videos on this site? i'd love to attach one so i can show you just how bad it is
I'd open it up and replace the bearings and keep OEM
And sure, bearings can be noisy when stiff and cold and then loosen up. It'll eventually progress to another level of failure, but it's anyone's guess how long that will take
BBB is questionable at best....
No expert. Someone else might be able to help with the video compression or perhaps use U tube.
I'll figure it out by the days end
Ask Garage 54 to test this.
The alternator on my truck absolutely SCREAMS in the cold. It locked up 2 years ago when I was dumb and left it on the floor for a month and a half while I replaced a head gasket on the truck. I keep forgetting to buy a new alternator for it.
I wouldn't say it's quiet during the warm, either. But I definitely need to replace it.
I wouldn't say it's quiet during the warm, either. But I definitely need to replace it.
Ha...cold weather got my alternator ('07 Volvo w/148k) growling; a bearing, I thought.
Upon shutdown, the buzz slowly died down...ergo, bad freewheel pulley.
Upon shutdown, the buzz slowly died down...ergo, bad freewheel pulley.
So funny thing about this. Ford recently starting making a newsletter for dealers and this gem was pretty well torn apart by all the techs and parts people.
I thought only blinker fluid had to be -20. Now I gotta check my alternator fluid, too??
Mine does when it's well below 0°
But to eliminate any belt squeel, spray some 303 on an old toothbrush and make sure all the grooves are well coated. Then use a rag to wipe off the excess so it doesn't fling everywhere.
But to eliminate any belt squeel, spray some 303 on an old toothbrush and make sure all the grooves are well coated. Then use a rag to wipe off the excess so it doesn't fling everywhere.
I'm more worried about the efficiency of my alternator oil filter. Duh.
Could also be (a) dirty ground(s) or glazed carbon brushes/slip rings. Both issues can be corrected with some scotch-brite, but a quick check of the diodes is to turn as many of your electrical accessories as possible such as high beams, full fan, rear defrost, etc then check the AC (not DC) voltage at the alternator b+ terminal. The acceptable level can vary from vehicle to vehicle but typically 0.5 AC is the limit and more than that is considered to be a bad rectifier/diodes.
