Why is there a noise coming from my alternator?
Why is there a noise coming from my alternator?
Noise from the alternator could be caused by a faulty rotor shaft, rectifiers, bearings, slip rings, stator winding or brushes. You will need to carefully inspect each of these components and replace them. One sure way of confirming that the noise is coming specifically from the alternator is to use a vacuum hose.
What kind of alternator does a GM 3.8L have?
This article covers the majority of 3.8L Buick, Chevy, Olds, and Pontiac equipped cars and mini-vans. To see if this alternator test article covers your specific 3.8L GM vehicle and alternator, you can take a look at the list of applications on the box labeled ‘Applies To:’ on the column on the right and scroll with the prev and next links.
What happens when an alternator goes bad in a car?
The alternator plays a vital role in supplying power to the car’s AC, recharging the battery and ignition. When your alternator is faulty, the battery power is drained fast, and you will find yourself with a stalled car. But what can cause the alternator to go bad?
What happens when the serpentine belt fails on an alternator?
The serpentine belt powers the alternator, and if it fails, the alternator will stop working the moment your belt wears out and breaks, or the pulley becomes damaged. This can also happen if the serpentine belt is not tightened correctly. Most cars have automatic tensioners, but these can fail, so it is better to double-check.
Noise from the alternator could be caused by a faulty rotor shaft, rectifiers, bearings, slip rings, stator winding or brushes. You will need to carefully inspect each of these components and replace them. One sure way of confirming that the noise is coming specifically from the alternator is to use a vacuum hose.
This article covers the majority of 3.8L Buick, Chevy, Olds, and Pontiac equipped cars and mini-vans. To see if this alternator test article covers your specific 3.8L GM vehicle and alternator, you can take a look at the list of applications on the box labeled ‘Applies To:’ on the column on the right and scroll with the prev and next links.
The alternator plays a vital role in supplying power to the car’s AC, recharging the battery and ignition. When your alternator is faulty, the battery power is drained fast, and you will find yourself with a stalled car. But what can cause the alternator to go bad?
The serpentine belt powers the alternator, and if it fails, the alternator will stop working the moment your belt wears out and breaks, or the pulley becomes damaged. This can also happen if the serpentine belt is not tightened correctly. Most cars have automatic tensioners, but these can fail, so it is better to double-check.