Bad Alternator?

[PGW]

I've been having troubles with my alternator lately. The first one crapped out on me after about a year of owning the truck, then I got a new one and am having problems. The new one will chirp at random times, it sounds like a squirrel orgy and it pretty hard on the ears. Whenever it starts chirping, the alternator stops charging. I took the alternator in to get checked and they ran 4 test runs and it passed everytime. I slapped it back in and it's doing the same thing it looks aligned right and there is not really anywear on the belt. The tension is nice and tight and I checked all the connections and they are good. It still will just pick a time to chrip and then stop randomly and then start again. Anybody had this problem before?

 

[slyguy_22]

are you getting low voltage readings or is it just making noise? cause all they test is to see if it is putting out what it is supposed to. are you positive it is the alt? cause noises can be deceiving some times. alot of peoples ac compressor do the periodic squeal.

 

[Tabb]

Let me guess... Autozone Duralast?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I've been through 4 of the NAPA lifetime (brand new ) alternators in 5 years. 2 had a bad voltage regulator (started charging 18+ volts) and 2 had the bearing fail (and I didn't have the belt over-tightened )

My opinion? Alternators sold by any of the parts stores are crap. If I happen to have mine die when I'm not far from home I'll have NAPA refund my money and I'll get a real one (5th times the charm, right?)

 

[PGW]

Let me guess... Autozone Duralast?

Unfortunately yes.
I'm pretty sure it's the alternator chirping because the chirping is directly correlated to what my volt gauge is reading. When it chirps it the gauge goes way to the left and when it stops chirping it goes back to 13v.

 

[Tabb]

Unfortunately yes.
I'm pretty sure it's the alternator chirping because the chirping is directly correlated to what my volt gauge is reading. When it chirps it the gauge goes way to the left and when it stops chirping it goes back to 13v.

I hope you have learned an important lesson here today.
Stay away from Vatozone.

 

[PGW]

Where's a good place to buy alternators from then?

 

[Tabb]

Unfortunately yes.
I'm pretty sure it's the alternator chirping because the chirping is directly correlated to what my volt gauge is reading. When it chirps it the gauge goes way to the left and when it stops chirping it goes back to 13v.

If it was a different brand alternator it would probably be putting out the normal 14v.

 

[slyguy_22]

id look around for a local alt. shop that rebuilds starters and alt's. they usually use the good parts and dont cost much if any more than the parts stores. we have quite a few shops in my area and there acctually cheaper then napa and such.

 

[Tabb]

Where's a good place to buy alternators from then? [/QUOTE
Any parts store that carries A/C Delco. We got Westwood Auto Parts out here, thats who I buy from the most.

 

[PGW]

Well I found a few alternator shops around here that I'll call tomorrow. Thanks guys you told me what I needed to hear.