Before taking any steps to stop your alternator from whining, you must know why your alternator is whining. With so many electronics packed into today’s automobiles, a problem with your electrical system may quickly escalate into much more than a minor annoyance. The alternator is a typical cause of electrical failures since it powers the whole system.

The indications of an alternator whining are as follows:

 

• Noises of Grinding

 

The alternator is most likely to blame if you hear a loud grinding noise coming from your engine compartment. As you crank the engine, the grinding will become louder.

 

• Squeaking noises

 

A repeated chirping or squeaking noise, albeit not as loud as the whining, might be another symptom of a failing alternator. This will be an extremely high-pitched squeak, with the frequency of the squeak increasing as the engine RPMs rise. As a precondition make sure that your engine is cool before carrying out this test.

 

• Noises of knocking

 

One of numerous items related to the alternator might create a banging noise. As it comes into touch with other parts, a damaged belt may flap around the engine chamber, making a banging noise. Also, when it jostles about inside the housing, a fractured bearing may make a banging sound. A loose bolt on the alternator might also be causing it to slide around while the engine is running.

 

Solutions to make your alternator stop whining

 

• Check the alternator

 

You must be assured that the alternator is the source of your problem before proceeding with any repairs. You can quickly test whether or not the alternator is operating if you have a basic voltmeter on hand. Set your metre to read DC voltage by connecting the metre leads to the battery terminals. A score of 12.6 indicates that your battery is fully charged and operating as it should. If your alternator is working correctly, you should observe a reading of 14.2 to 14.7 volts with the engine running but all accessories and lights switched off. If yours is greater, it may be overcharging the battery and causing harm.

 

• Bolts should be tightened

 

Because of all the vibration from the motor while driving, the bolts that keep your alternator in place might become loose over time. With a rudimentary socket set, you can easily fix this.

First, identify your alternator bolts, which should number three or four. Then you’ll need to discover a socket that’s the right size. Tighten each bolt by hand until it is snug.

 

• Serpentine Belt should be replaced.

 

In case your vehicle’s serpentine belt is worn, replacing it is a reasonably simple technique that you may do at home. To begin, locate the tensioner pulley. In the middle will be a nut that you may spin with a socket wrench. When you do, the entire pulley will move and the strain on the belt will release, allowing you to ease the belt off.

The replacement belt will be installed in the same way. Except for the tensioner pulley, wrap it around all of the pulleys in the appropriate direction. Using your socket wrench, move the pulley out of the way and slip the belt over it.

 

• Alternator should be replaced

 

Begin by removing the battery. Remove the serpentine belt next. To remove the belt, move the tensioner pulley with a socket wrench and release the belt. Disconnect the wire harness from the alternator’s rear. Then unscrew the bolts that are keeping it in place and pull it out. Install the new alternator and tighten the nuts. Tighten them all the way down until they’re completely snug. Then, in the back, rejoin the wire harness. Reinstall the tensioner belt and reconnect the tether.

 

Conclusion

Before rushing to any conclusion make sure you first determine which is the point from where the whining sound is occurring and what is the cause of that. There is no intelligence in spending hundreds of dollars. This article provides you a general overview and would help you determine basic factors to resolve the problem. 

The alternator clutch pulley is most likely to blame if you observe excessive noise in the engine that lasts 1 to 5 seconds after turning it off. The excessive tensioner movement that is the major source of this sound is the first indicator of a worn out overrunning alternator pulley. This is why you must install a high quality alternator clutch pulley like one that GXOAP offers.