I have a 95 civic dx sedan, and recently i notice a rattling noise from the alternator when the engine is cold. The rattling noise only occurs while the car is in drive or reverse, and is considerably less severe when in neutral or park. I still have electricity to my car just fine as far as i can tell. Do i need to replace my alternator?

 

If it truly is the alternator thats rattling the bearing in it is bad and the alternator will need to be replaced, I suggest you replace it before it flys apart completely and leaves you stranded on the side of the road.

 

check for loose bolts

 

so i checked the bolts and theyre fine.

could the rattling come from something else other than the alternator in the same area? is there a reason why the rattling goes away after the car warms up?