Today, when I startedup the engine I heard this noise comes from the engine bay. I guess (hope) it is alternator.
Is it safe to drive the car 20mph to my technic service??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVRVnCk3r9U

 

Just take the alternator out and take it in.

Comes out easy enough.

 

Yes but I should drive about 20 mph to take the alternator out. It is alternator right?

 

I'd say so, although having only a vid to watch makes it difficult to be 100% sure.

Is the alternator hotter than it should be?

I've also read that the opti will make a loud clicking noise when it's on it's way out, due to poor connections.


If it were me, and the car was at my house - I'd just take the alternator out of the Camaro and drive it in a different car to go and get it bench tested.

 

Yep - sounds like the alt bearings are shot. Take the belt off and spin the alt, if the bearings are shot, you'll know, it won't spin smoothly. Also, if you can get the alt out at your place and have someone drive you in definitely go that route. I had the bearings in one go bad once and was able to get to the Zone. However if the alt locks up while your driving, you'll wind up shredding your belt and hitching a ride anyways.

 

dont rule out ac compressor pulley bearings its rigth underneath and could fool you mine went bad and thats what it sounded like.

 

Thanks for replies.. So if I drive it to the service easily (slowly), by checking the gauges ? I know you don't advise, but I have no tools to take out the alt.

 

I don't think it really matters how slow you drive. If the pulley seizes, it will eat your belt up before you know it.

All you need to pull it is a 1/2" wrench. Put it on the tensioner pulley to get the belt off, then pull the 4 or so bolts that hold the alt. down.

 

try to squirt some wd 40 on the bearings one at a time it usually will make it qiuet briefly enough to single it out.

 

Okay this morning I drove the car about 1 mile, to check how the car runs, and after 1 mile the noise is gone. How is that possible?? I drove the car 20miles to my technic service and they couldn't find anything.