Hi all,
A few weeks ago I noticed a rattling in the drive belt area. I immediately suspected the tensioner assembly and replaced it this weekend ($80). The noise is still there. After further investigation I narrowed it down to the alternator by isolating the sound with the car off and spinning the alterlator with some spring and a good pull. It sounds like the bearings are going bad within the unit. I have a quote from a shop to rebuild the unit for $45 tops. Or I could have a brand new alternator shipped to me door for $146.
Is it worth it to rebuild? I'm a little wary since the car in question is only 9 years old with 105,000km, its not normal for an alternator to act up.
Any recommendations or opinions?
Thanks!
Edit: There is no voltage light or CEL as of yet.