[dvan_heerden]

Hi all:

I am new to the forum as a member, but I have viewed it many times. Thanks for some really helpful posts.

I apologize in advance if this is a duplicate post... I searched and came up with nothing on the forum that sounded like my problem...

PROBLEM:

My '97 XLT AWD 5.0 has recently developed a loud whining noise from under the hood. The noise has progresively gotten a little worse, but has been around the same decibel level since the noise started about 2 months ago... and trust me... the noise is EXTREMELY annoying!

The noise and whining gets louder and higher-pitched as the engine revs increase... it is definitely an engine-related noise, as oposed to a wheel/road noise.

A friend of mine took a quick listen and said it sounds like the Alternator bearings are starting to go bad...

I have subsequently been keeping a close eye on my Voltage guage and the guage has been reading normal, until a load is applied (lights, wipers, turn signal, A/C, radio, and window button)... the needle drops very close to the "LOW" line, which never happened before "The Whine" with the same load applied.

I have priced out reconditioned Alternators and can find one (a 130A Alternator) shipped for about US$45, with 30 day warranty. Good price?

Would anyone have any suggestions? Any help will be very much appreciated.



FYI - The vehicle has got around 120,000 miles on it.

Thanks is advance... I look forward to any/all feedback.