If it is the alternator, please think about using a local shop to rebuild, they usually can do it for under $100. Yes, you can get a rebuilt off the shelf at parts store, but you'll be back, they have failure rate on the Disco style that is very high.

 

Good to know...

 

I'm glad to know it's not the motor's guts making that noise. Really glad.

 

Thanks again to everyone. My rover is back in business!

For those who played "guess that noise" here is what it was:

whooped bearings in the alternator. the banging noise was the stator banging against the inside of the housing as the slop in the bearings ate up the clearance and it wobbled around.

Here is the takeaway:

I was more than a little incredulous (sorry, Savannah Buzz) about the whole local shop thing, but after finding that the cheapest replacement I could find was a Bosch, at $340 plus core, plus another $25 shipping and a week wait, I decided to hit the internet.

Well, the first place I called said "sure, no promises but bring it on in". Long story short three hours and $225 later I left with a rebuilt alternator, new stator and bearings. Popped it in and all is well.

You guys rock, especially you Savannah Buzz, you saved my Christmas - Mrs. Geek and all the little geeklings are very grateful.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO THE BEST BOARD ON THE NET!