this weekend i'll be returning my autozone altinator again for bad bearing noise when warm. why do i keep going through them like this? its the 2ed or 3ed one in a year for this particular problem.

 

I'm sure it has to do with the contractor that autozone uses to remanufacture the Alternators. They probably use inferior parts. I have put 3 alternators bought at Autozone in my buddies blazer this year alone. All went bad for different things. They're warrantied, so hopefully 3rd times a charm.

 

This probably isn't the case since you have serpentine belts, but I know on V belts, if you have them too tight it will wear out the bearings.

 

Make sure your pulleys are lined up.JMHO

 

how does one do this?

 

I had problems with Auto Zone alternators on my 87 Vette. Finally went back to the dealer and got a new Delco, no problems after that.

 

Use a calibrated eyeball and a straightedge if necessary. Look from the side and see if it aligns with the other pulleys. I assume your car has never been wrecked in the front and that the accessory bracket is not suspected of being warped.

 

Yea, its definetly inferior parts. I've probably been through 10 remanufactured alternators in my life. They suck, but are way cheaper than factory new ones. Luckily they are easy to change.

 

If you still think that it could be misalligned, check the wear on the pullys without the retaining walls. The paint will be worn on the track the belt follows. More than likely you have just run upon bad remy alternators. If your serious about getting rid of the problem, go to a different parts store, or by a new one from the dealer.