Started the car up today and heard a clunking noise. Lifted the hood and discovered the noise seems to be coming from my 10yr old rebuilt alternator. Does this sound like bearings? I thought bearings squealed when they were going bad. Volts are holding fine. Temp guage is OK. A/C compressor not on. Anyone have an idea? Does my alternator need a new rebuild?

 

Correction. Volts sre NOT holding steady. The needle seems to jump everytime I hear the clunking sound. Volts are sitting dead even at 13 volts instead of normal 14. I just need a confirmation on what I suspect I already know.
Thanks.

 

You could listen to the alternator real close if you put a extension or piece of wood up to it and put your ear on the other end. with the volts lowering I`d say you nailed it...can`t say it owes you anything.... going ten yr`s and all.