Alternator down!

[Scubamurph]

Looks like my alternator has shat itself after only 70000k.
Was out getting muddy and wet at teh weekends and everything
seemed fine. Yesterday when I was driving the car I was getting the
battery symbol up intermittently and I thought it was related to some
wet wires as my blower motor has stopped working (not gotten round to fault finding it yet).
Today when I start up there is a nice metallic grinding / wearing noise
coming from the front passenger side. Sounds like it was coming from the alternator.
Funny thing is that the noise died down when I rev the engine for a while before coming back again.

I have now ripped the alternator out but it seems smooth enough when I turn the pulley
and the clutch appears to be working ok.

Anyone got any ideas if it is the alternator (bearing maybe) or something else in the same location.
I have rotated the other pulleys and they are all smooth as well.

Got me a bit flummoxed. I really dont want to part with $650+ for a replacement
alternator if I am barking up the wrong tree.



Regards Murph

 

[Bluenavara]

I also had to replace the alternator recently, at 50000k.
I got it all the way from the UK, still came in at less than 350USD/340AUD including transatlantic shipping:
NISSAN NAVARA ALTERNATOR 23100-EB71A NEW | eBay

Their regular website:
.: Starter Motor & Alternator Company :.

Double check your part number before ordering, there are 130 and 150 amp versions IIRC

EDITED TO ADD: My dealer wanted 1100USD (yes!) for a new alternator, that's why I searched high and low for a better source.

 

[ovaxitd]

i had similar problem but it only did my bearing.... when you turn mine off the alt disengages on the clucth bearing and grinds to a halt... 'loud noises' get weird looks when turning it off haha...

if you need to get a new one can i buy your alt front bearing off you... as you cant buy this as a replacment part from nissan... only one unit....

 

[Scubamurph]

Sorry mate, I should have updated this earlier.

I refitted the alternator as I needed the car and it has only been noisy once since.
I couldnt find any second hand alts about. I can get a new for $500 + gst.
Have aslso found clutch pulleys from the uk but they are $260 a go incl delivery.

Still not made up my mind on what way to go.

Incidentally I sorted my blower motor out with a can of contact cleaner
It flushed some pretty dirty crap out and it is now working again.

Will take the win on that.

Regards Murph

 

[Dave]

i had similar problem but it only did my bearing.... when you turn mine off the alt disengages on the clucth bearing and grinds to a halt... 'loud noises' get weird looks when turning it off haha...

if you need to get a new one can i buy your alt front bearing off you... as you cant buy this as a replacment part from nissan... only one unit....

Measure the bearing and get in touch with these guys.

CBC Bearings, Oil Seals, Power Transmission, Lubricants, Laser Alignment & AzimaDLI at CBC

They should be able to track a replacement down.