Alternator Squeal
 

The alternator on my truck makes a squealing sound, like the sound of a belt squealing. I removed the altrernator and there isnt any play in the pully and I cant replicate the noise (it only occurrs at over 2k rpm) Is there a replaceable part in there like a bearing? The truck is a 89 22re and the alt is a toy part so it could be the original. Oh ans I know it is the alt as it made the sound with that being the only belt driven thing then after removing the belt, no noise. There isnt a tensioner pully either, so it has to be the alt. thanks.

Sure its not the belt squealing? Toyota pulleys seem to be kinda picky - best to use Toyota belts.

If it's belts, this is pretty normal for the 3vze. What's happening is that you have multiple belts running over the same pairs of pulleys and wearing at different rates. This causes one to have to run on different radii = travel different distance = squeal.

Answer is to replace the belts in pairs.

That's assuming it's belts and not a bearing going out.

If you squirt a little soapy water on the belts and it quiets down you'll know it's belts.

get one of those belt tensioner measure thingies, the alternator belt is rather difficult to get as tight as you should on the 3vze.

He has a 22RE. Here is my experience with a noisy alternator on my 22RE:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/electrical-gremlins-88-pickup-please-help-83641/

Skip down to the bottom.

Rob

Well I am unsure now. I did replace both belts at the same time and with only the alt belt on, the noise was still there. The belt was probably not tight enough, but it wasnt obviously slipping or stuck. It looked fine with the motor running. I also didnt think it was the belt because the noist was way to consistent. Began at exatly the same rpm (2800) and now at 2200. And damn, the stupid thing is on my workbench so I dont know if I just re-install and tighten better, or change the bearing or the whole alternator. Also, the squeal was identical with the old belt and new. The old one was really bad, cracked and missing teeth. That is also why I didnt think belt. Oh well. Not sure what to do now.

If you think it's the original alternator, go ahead and replace it. They aren't very expensive at AutoZone as long as you have your old one to give them.

Rob

Or if you can afford to be without the truck for a week or so, send it to Boyle Future Technology in California and have it rebuilt and upgraded (mine went to something like 140A) for about $100.