Alternator, when should the stocker die?
 

I think my stock alternator is about to die. It still charges 14 volts, but I hear the noise of worn out bearings from the alternator, or something near it at all times. My car has 173k on it and I have no record of the alternator being replaced, so I'm expecting it's alright for it to die now.
Anyway, I just want to know, do you think the bearing sound is from the alternator or something else. It's not the A/C pump, I'm sure of that. It kind of sounds below the alternator, But I'm not sure what else it would be.
What is it!!?

-Ian

Well if you got money replace it.
If you don't and wanna try getting some more life out of it, just try replacing the bearing.. Not to hard.

Spend the money and get the FD alt. kit the guy on the stickeys is selling. It also gives you a buffer for how much draw you can have.

My alter is dying too, but the bad way, at idle is hard to see the dash lights. My question if about fd replacement. if I got an FD alter will this pully solve my problems?
http://www.racingbeat.com/photos/11479.jpg
I know it'll fit on but it reduces alter speed by about 20%, would the alter still produce enuff volts to power my car or should I keep looking?

Molotovman, try removing the Belt (preferably Alternator out of the Engine) and spin the Pulley by hand. Should you get an audible shreaking or drag than there Is a start. ..but to Imply that your Alternators time Is due Is a little pretentious. :)

Falcoms, I'm the guy selling these FD Alternator Kits. For awhile now actually. :D

Syritis, If that Pulley you provided a pic for Is not meant for a FD Alternator made for a FC than It's not going to work. Both hIGGI and myself offer Double Pullies with a Single Pulley as an option with me.

darn...i was gonna try selling you my 2 month old stock type replacement... :)

At that many miles, don't rule out the waterpump.

Damnit, I thought it could be that too. How do I fix that, take off the front cover, and also, what would be the more likely thing? It's pretty loud, but it does get quieter when I spray belt stop squeek on the pulley, thats why I was thinking alternator.

I need new belts anyway, so I'll check it out, How hard is it to replace belts, pretty easy right? All I need is a screwdriver?
Thanks alot,
-Ian

My waterpump died on my T2 at 148k, my alternator shortly thereafter around 155k.

The Belts require a few sockets to loosen the adjusting brackets then you slip new belts on and tighting the brackets in the appropriate position for proper belt tension.

The water pump is external and doesn't require the removal of the front cover, just the stock fan (if you have it) and you can do the job.

I'll check both out this weekend with my dad.
Thanks alot for the information, i'll be back with an update in a few days.

- Ian

Ths is usually how it happens...when one of these OEM units fail others will soon follow. The OEM waterpump/alternator tend to be robust pieces and the job for one or both is pretty easy (especially the alternator, thats a 15 minute job with hand tools).