Alternator question

[dabuddha]

So I had my alternator replaced in my 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan back in July. I ended up buying a new one (not rebuilt) from advanced auto parts) and I had my mechanic install it for me.
Well, last week the van started making this squealing/rattling noise and the battery light was coming on. So I took it back to the mechanic and he called me and told me that the bearings on the alternator are shot and it needs to be replaced. It's under warranty of course so I'll be able to take it back w/o any problems but I was always under the impression that these things were built to last. Does the bearings problem sound reasonable?

TIA!

 

[OutHouse]

Thats rare for a new one to grenade like that. one trick my dad taught me was to put a screwdriver on the ALT and put your ear on the handle. if the bearings are bad you will hear it.

 

[kornphlake]

It's not unheard of for alternator bearings to go bad, although I've had more trouble with the electrical bits than the mechanical bits. Anything can be defective, including a new alternator, (you don't specify it was an OEM alternator, aftermarket alternators are spotty even when not rebuilt) you have a warranty to cover this kind of problem.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I'm not at all surprised.

I've been burned waaaay too many times by advance/autozone 'lifetime warranty' crap. Even though napa parts are more expensive and have a shorter warranty they seem to last much longer.

 

[Vette73]

NEW is not really any better then a good rebuilt one. Rebuilt just means they replace all the wear parts, think bearings and such, and reuse the case and any other non wear items.

So no its not common but I have seen it happen.
If I replaced in my shop I give a 30 or 90day warranty, depends on the job. A Alt on most I would likly cover for 90days. But even then this is probable not a install problem.

 

[dabuddha]

NEW is not really any better then a good rebuilt one. Rebuilt just means they replace all the wear parts, think bearings and such, and reuse the case and any other non wear items.

So no its not common but I have seen it happen.
If I replaced in my shop I give a 30 or 90day warranty, depends on the job. A Alt on most I would likly cover for 90days. But even then this is probable not a install problem.

That's if you provide the alternator, right? Not if the customer brings his own in?

 

[Vette73]

That's if you provide the alternator, right? Not if the customer brings his own in?

When I had my shop I might if I knew where it came from. If it was used or a rebuild shop then no. But if you got one of the lifetime ones from Advance/AZ/napa etc... then yea I would. I do that as I know the quality and chance of failure. I also know the people at the parts stores so swapping was easy.

 

[LTC8K6]

There's a local alternator/starter rebuild shop here. You can watch them test and rebuild if you want. They give a 3 year warranty. Never had a complaint with their work.

 

[dabuddha]

For what it's worth, I found my receipt and the brand name for the alternator is Remy. I got it from Advanced Auto Parts (it was the only one they had in stock for my vehicle)

 

[Mark R]

Was it correctly installed?

Overtightening the drive belt can trash the alternator bearings.