I don't know too much about alternator's, but lately I have what sounds like something sort of bouncing around within the engine bay area. I brought it to a local shop and this guy used what looked like a stethoscope (doctors use to check heart beats etc). He put it on the alternator and said the bearings were starting to go. Does it sound like he may be correct?

It does look as though I still have the original factory alternator in there.

Also, from what I know the alternator is a pain to replace. Any idea what labor may run me if I take it to a shop..?

 

if mechanic said its alternator it might be it then or maybe one of your pulleys...

 

Maybe take it to another shop just for a second opinion.

Just FYI, and alternator isn't hard to replace. The hardest thing about it is getting everything out of the way so you can remove it from the engine bay. Removal and installation is actually pretty easy and straightforward.

Just like most things, it's the little pain the *** things that make things difficult.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stasi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Also, from what I know the alternator is a pain to replace. Any idea what labor may run me if I take it to a shop..?</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

Fantastic, thanks for the fast replies guys.

The mechanic who checked it first thought it may have been a pulley then determined it wasn't. Also, if the car is sitting idle, you can hear whatever it is jumping around. When I'm driving, you rarely hear it, which may make sense because that would mean the alternator belt & pulley are spinning, thus forcing the bearings to work harder and not allowing them to bounce around..

 

i replace it for u for $80 yes your alternator bearings are bad just buy a used or new alternator and the noise will be gone

 

It's a shame you're over in Texas, I'd have you do it. I just moved to Jacksonville Florida and don't know any shops in the area yet. Just like you said Shamoo, I've heard it's basically an easy unbolt, but beyond that I've heard of a lot of people having to move all sorts of **** out of the way to get it out.

Well I've decided to buy an AlterStart 135 AMP alternator from e-Bay. I'm not about to take a chance with one from AutoZone,PepBoys or any of those..

 

the better way to get it out from the top take off ur intake manifold and thats it youll have a perfect way and position to unbolt it and bold the new one on...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stasi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's a shame you're over in Texas, I'd have you do it. I just moved to Jacksonville Florida and don't know any shops in the area yet. Just like you said Shamoo, I've heard it's basically an easy unbolt, but beyond that I've heard of a lot of people having to move all sorts of **** out of the way to get it out.

Well I've decided to buy an AlterStart 135 AMP alternator from e-Bay. I'm not about to take a chance with one from AutoZone,PepBoys or any of those..</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's a pretty good one. You know, if you wanted to spend a little less, you can get a used one or a reburbished OEM one. They will be pretty good too.

I'd also help you out too but I'm also kinda far away. Central NJ here.

But you know what? You should try to do it yourself, you'll learn a lot in the process. The way to get it out, is actually from the bottom of the car. If you remove the driver's side axle you can remove it.

 

I would love to do it myself, I just don't have access to the right tools. I have a feeling the bolts will need a lot of weight on them to come loose. Heh, I'm only 145 lbs myself, lol. I don't have any family or friends here either so that's out of the question. I'll have to ask some of the local Integra guys..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Stock_LS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the better way to get it out from the top take off ur intake manifold and thats it youll have a perfect way and position to unbolt it and bold the new one on...</TD></TR></TABLE>

How is that easier?? The intake manifold is a PITA to take off, considering there's that brace underneath, and you have to drain you coolant. Just remove the driver side axle from the intermediate shaft (no need to drain the transmission) and drop it out from the bottom, that would be easier.

 

Removing the axle sounds a hell of a lot easier. Thanks Patrick.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stasi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would love to do it myself, I just don't have access to the right tools. I have a feeling the bolts will need a lot of weight on them to come loose. Heh, I'm only 145 lbs myself, lol. I don't have any family or friends here either so that's out of the question. I'll have to ask some of the local Integra guys..</TD></TR></TABLE>


when you dont have enough weight, usually you can use an extension for more torque

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stasi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well I've decided to buy an AlterStart 135 AMP alternator from e-Bay. I'm not about to take a chance with one from AutoZone,PepBoys or any of those..</TD></TR></TABLE>

Just a little review because i just recently purchased one of their 135 amp alternators. I went to their shop a couple of days ago here in Dallas. They have nothing but stacks and stacks of alternators/starters. Customer service was great, dropped off the alternator about 5pm on monday and it was ready by 9pm on tuesday. Anyways, after the install, with the car idling and all accessories on like the air conditioning/ lights/ stereo @high volume the idle was rock steady at about 750/800 rpm.

With the old alternator when it WAS working the idle would still drop when i turned on the a/c, well not with the new alternator. Im not an electronics "guru" but i would recommend anyone that needs to replace their alternator to replace it with a high-output alternator. Even if you don't plan on having a high-wattage stereo system or whatever my opinion is that it would be a great investment.

Oh and i only paid like 175 because i brought my old alternator in. It comes with a 2yr warranty but for an extra $20 he gave me a lifetime warranty. They can also make high-torque staters if anyone happens to need one. Any ?'s just let me know.
Here's some pics of the alt: