Squeal... ugh., Alternator bearing? Options

[emerygt350]

Got a squeal. It started last year, and I thought "oh, maybe just the belt". Belt is new, tightening it didn't help. Kinda goes away after the engine is hot (haven't been able to test that too much). Alternator works great. Starts to squeal as you give it a little and then stops around 2500 ish.

I still have to make sure it isn't associated with the 123distributor but if it is the alternator, what are my options? Looks like a rebuilt is around 250. Are they reliable?

[anderssj]

Went through this about 6 months ago...not the easiest job as the car was on ramps—but doable. Would have been cake if I had a lift.



LESSON LEARNED: The key thing was removing the left front piece of cooling tin:



I think it’s referred to as “cover plate for engine, front driver side." In addition to the fasteners visible in the engine compartment, there are a couple of cheese-head screws that have to be removed from underneath (note the holes in the tin at the right side of the photo). Once all of the fasteners are removed, this cover plate is lifted up and out from INSIDE the engine compartment.

With that piece out of the way, the alternator is removed and replaced from underneath, in front of the engine bar. For the install, the alternator went back in from underneath. The hex head bolt (top) went in from the front; the square “toothed” nut took a couple tries, but I was finally able to get in place over the top of the alternator. Fitted the lower part of the alternator housing into the mounting bracket, then the plastic ring goes on the front of the alternator. The alternator’s front cover plate goes on from underneath, and the long D-headed bolt goes in from the front.

Having that front cover plate off made fitting and tensioning the belt a lot easier too.

Hope this helps!

Steve A-