How could I tell if my alternator was starting to shoot the dust? I had a stereo system put in (by professionals) and I am getting some whine throught the speakers at times. I took it back, they claim it's a low voltage issue. I have noticed that especially when I first start the car you can hear it bad. After a while it just comes and goes. I know GM has never been great with electrical stuff so it wouldn't suprise me to know my alternator is starting to go. Plus my mechanic says he can hear a bearign starting to go. I am running a red-top dry cell battery which I am told is not good for running custom stereo systems either. Any help is appreciated.

 

its most likely alternator but also a cap would help

 

A Cap is going in this weekend or next. But I am getting a horrible belt slipping sound too and no once can seem to figure out what is causing it. Kind of hoping it is the alternator.

 

in all likely hood it is a bad alternator.........