924Board.org

924mang · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 150

okay, i posted a while back about a squealing in my engine and shortly after my alternator belt blew. not bad, bought a new one. its been running fine. but the same type of squealing has returned. i know its the alternator for a couple reasons.

1.)its the same noise/squeal
2.)it mainly happens at night when i have the lights up, and the radio going. but if the radio is off and on low beam, no sound. but with highbeams, its always going. not to mention its constant squeal when the fan is going.

At first i thought it was the fan belt for that reason. but why would it be squealing when the fan is off and the lights and radio on?
so im pretty sure its the alt. belt.

so. why would the sound be starting up again? i'm assuming the belt is loose and is shaking around.

it is very annoying. and brings the wrong kind of attention to my 924

Zuffen · Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2003 7:28 am Post subject:

how tight is the belt?

and what if the current load is causing the bearing to squeal,

pop the hood and listen with the lights on and see if you tell if it is the alternator bearings

a mechanics stethescope is a great tool for defining noise location
_________________
Bob Dodd - 924turbo@cox.net
931 1982, 944 1982 euro, 924S 1988SE, 93 968 tip 06 Silver Cayenne S, 06 Black Cayenne S

I have Way too many cars, parts for the 931,944 and 951

kabok · Joined: 25 Jan 2003 Posts: 179 Location: Ft. Collins, CO

Another thing to check will be the alignment of the alternator in relation to the Crank pulley. The alternator pulley should be either directly in line or just slightly back of the crank pulley. Misalignment will cause alternator shaft to pull out and cause the noise.
If you have time take it to a parts store and test it to make sure it's putting out the correct amps. All you effort in fixing the notice will be wasted if the alternator is going south.
Yehan

Roger · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1235 Location: Cordova, TN

I am gussing that you have checked the belt tension. There is an old trick take a bar of hand soap and rub it on the belt. The soap will quiet the belt if it is squeeking. The other thing is to take a very long screwdriver put it on the alternator. Then put your ear to the end (the handle end) of the screwdriver. The sound will travel up the screwdriver and touching the screwdriver to different points you should get a better idea where the sound is comming from.
_________________
1981 924 NA

Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you
still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

numbbers · Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2003 12:10 pm Post subject:

Good advise all around. You either have a loose belt, or bad alternator bearings. You can check the belt. Press on the belt mid-way between the alternator pulley and the crank pulley, and it should deflect about 1/2 inch. Since you have already lost one belt, my bet would be on the bearings. If thats the problem, you will need to replace the alternator.
_________________
1980 924 Turbo

924mang · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 150

oh man, i was hoping no one would say that. that i would have to replace the alternator. i dont really want to get into a whole repair project in the freezing weather!

i've never heard of that soap idea.

*i have a 924S, if you havent noticed from my user icon... does that make a difference in location to the alt. belt from a 70s 024?

Porschephile · Joined: 04 Nov 2002 Posts: 825 Location: Denver, Colorado

the alternator is right under your airbox. just take off the airbox and the alternator is right on top. easy as hell to get too/adjust/remove/install etc... I've heard of something similar to the soap trick but actually I've been told to hold a candle against the belt to keep it from squeaking. well, enjoy.
_________________
werd B.

wdb · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 2024

Ive heard of a few people taking some 200 grit sandpaper to the pully grove to unpolish it and remove the glaze .kinda of like tennis shoes on a polished floor chirp .

924mang · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 150

okay. today, when i had some time, i pulled it into my garage. I was struggling way to hard to find the damn thing, then i found out that it IS right under the airbox. (i wish i read your post sooner Porschephile, haha, i was out in the freezing cold for almost an hour trying to get at it with some soap to try that soap trick.)

well i know for sure that it is the alternator, because its loud as *&(#!!!!
the belt is tight, and the soap trick didnt do anything.
i think its the alternator bearing. is there anyway to be absolutely sure?

the cheapest alternator i can find is at pelicanparts.com, a rebuilt one for 260? i think.

and id like to avoid replacing unless i have to

Paul · Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2003 12:22 pm Post subject:

www.eurowebparts.com

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES

Vehicle: 1987 Porsche 924S
Part: Alternator

Note: Rebuilt, 90 Amp Bosch

Product Brand Retail Our Price
Picture Alternator Bosch $280.86 $155.02

Roger · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1235 Location: Cordova, TN

Put the screwdriver on the alternator put you ear to the screwdriver handle you will know.
_________________
1981 924 NA

Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you
still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

924mang · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 150

fixed the squeal, just ended up using a rebuilt alternator.
my boss had one in the shop off of an 86 944S, i got a good deal too.
he let me have it for 100$
not bad.
hopefully thats the end of that squealing??