Does this sound like a bad fan clutch?
I dont know if this makes any difference, but I noticed that if i turn off an electrical feature when it is squeaking, it goes away. I have NO idea why it does this; the alternator is brand spanking new and im 99% sure that the squeaking is coming from the fan clutch/water pump area, not the alternator.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 16,322
Likes: 88
From: Savannah Georgia
Well, you live in the country, there must be wood sticks around that barn for something, just press one end to your ear and the other to things like the alternator, water pump, etc., and you'll find that noise. The change in electrical load changes the mechanical load the alternator puts on the belt system. It may not be the alternator (but new ones are always suspect because you most likely bought a reman unit from a parts store, not a brand new factory one). Rebuilt alternators by local shop is good. Rebuilt by mass market folks with el cheapo parts from China - high failure rate. You should also be able to slip off the serpanine belt and turn things by hand to detect any roughness. Belt route is important as well, check against the RAVE to be sure.
TReK
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,073
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From: Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
I dont know if this makes any difference, but I noticed that if i turn off an electrical feature when it is squeaking, it goes away. I have NO idea why it does this; the alternator is brand spanking new and im 99% sure that the squeaking is coming from the fan clutch/water pump area, not the alternator.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 16,322
Likes: 88
From: Savannah Georgia
Yep, volts would be somewhere between 13.6 and 14.4 at idle, and turn everything on (AC, fan, radio, wipers, head lights, hazards) and it should still be 13.2 or better. Belt squeal is a real possibility, cracked, worn, glazed....
Remove the belt, start the engine, noise gone?
Turn off the engine and start spinning pulleys by hand, any noise?
You can also rest your hand on the alternator and feel for any vibrations, etc.
Turn off the engine and start spinning pulleys by hand, any noise?
You can also rest your hand on the alternator and feel for any vibrations, etc.
I may have found something. I was checking the smoothness of things and I noticed that the tensioner pulley had a little vibration and made a slight sound when spun freely. The bearing was still good though. Im thinking this could be the cause....
