Alternator Chirping

[Prmitive]

Bought my truck October of 2013 and replaced the serpentine belt because it was squealing - with that being said a new type of chirp emerged a few months later over a cold rainy night, started it up in the morning and it was making the noise. Its not very fluent in its chirping, when idling on occasion it will chirp, when I start driving it tends to go away unless it really feels like being loud which has happened a few times - other times its silent. Brought it to my mechanic he took the belt off and spun it freely and could hear the chirping, said to wait a while before replacing it, it still takes a charge. This was a few months ago and the chirp has been progressively going away unless I've jinxed it now.. and Ive noticed a trend of it chirping only when I take it to the wash lately, and it will last a few days if not less and then progressively go away again. Long story - hope the details help, just trying to figure out if I can diagnose it and make my best move before simply getting a new or reman alternator.

 

[Kowboy]

You've obviously got your answer to everything. Your alternator is going bad. Another choice is to have yours rebuilt. When this thing goes out you may get a CEL, but the battery will die. Decide if you want to chance getting stranded somewhere on the road.

 

[txgocartB3000]

The chirping after a car wash could just be water getting into the engine compartment and causing the belt to slip.

After it drys it goes away.

Kowboy makes some good points and it can leave you stranded at the wrong time.

If you just use it around town or within a reasonable distance to help then you could wait until it completely breaks.

If you don't like surprises then replace it as soon as practical.

I prefer to get replacement parts with a lifetime warranty.

Costs more initially but if you are keeping the vehicle for a long time then you only will need labor to replace.

Good luck.

Ray

 

[RonD]

"Chirping" would most likely be the regulator/diodes.
Bearing issue would be more of a grinding sound.

It would chirp more after startup when regulator was maxed out recharging battery after it was drained from starting.

It would chip more at idle, lower RPMs, because load on alternator is more at idle than at higher RPMs.
Also if all lights and heater fan are on load is higher.

Total failure would cause battery light to come on, at that time you would have about 40 minutes of drive time without lights, 20 min. if lights are on

 

[Prmitive]

Thanks a lot guys, always appreciated, it does sound like I will either need to rebuild mine or get a new one

 

[adsm08]

Total failure would cause battery light to come on, at that time you would have about 40 minutes of drive time without lights, 20 min. if lights are on

10 if you like the radio loud.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

Sounds like classic cam synchronizer chirping. You need to be very sure it's the alternator.

 

[wyyup]

I've been hearing a random chirping on my 3.0 as well. I was about to search this forum for the sound but saw this first. Is there any way to determine if the alternator is the cause?