Hi all

I have had a buzzing sound from right side of the engine for quite some time.

It then started to be a lot more noisy after start-up for maybe 30 seconds, so I decided to change cambelt/waterpump/belt tightening device yesterday, as I didn't fancy failure in that department while the wife was using the car...
The operation went well, but didn't cure the sound...

I did spin the alternator while the belt was of, and it didn't feel as smooth as I think it should be. Belt has been changed recently.

The cure is probably new bearings. Is it possible to dismantle the alternator and change them ?

I could of cause buy a new/rebuild alternator, but it seems there are quite many models at quite different prices. Can you help me to find the right model ? Or will any model fit, as long as I choose the 75A forA/C (or is it 90A...?)
It seems to be impossible to see any details on the alternator w/o removing it, the A/C compressor covers it quite effectively...

VIN: ZFA16900000429368. Produced in May 2005. 1.2 with A/C.

If you can safely "stethoscope" the alternator with a long screwdriver pressed to your ear it should be fairly obvious if it is the source of your buzzing. There's always some "buzz" from an alternator but a bad bearing will sound really loud using this technique.

You can also run the engine briefly without the aux drive belt to confirm that the noise is nothing to do with the cambelt.

I got my Peugeot alternator bearings replaced for about £20 a couple of years ago at an auto electricians in the north east. I just took the alternator out and dropped it off in the morning and picked up later the same day. He had all the puller tools and various spare bearings in stock.

Thanks

It was my plan to remove the aux belt and start the engine, but the stetoscope idea is good, as the belt is also driving the A/C clutch/compressor and the belt tightening pulley.

Haynes tells me to remove the right driveshaft and some engine support to get the alternator out. I guess that is correct, and I do also guess I will have to do most of the work from below the car, as the A/C compressor sits right above the alternator...

Any tricks I need to know ?

LeoJensen said:

Thanks

It was my plan to remove the aux belt and start the engine, but the stetoscope idea is good, as the belt is also driving the A/C clutch/compressor and the belt tightening pulley.

Haynes tells me to remove the right driveshaft and some engine support to get the alternator out. I guess that is correct, and I do also guess I will have to do most of the work from below the car, as the A/C compressor sits right above the alternator...

Any tricks I need to know ?

Click to expand...

Stethoscope did for sure nail the fail: Alternator is the origin of noise

About the removal of alternator:
I intend to leave the driveshaft in position at first try unless it is obvious, that it will make the operation impossible. Please let me know, if you know the best way to handle this...
Now I just need to get into the mood to get under the car and get it done... :yuck:

Alternator is out.

Haynes was wrong: No need to remove driveshaft. Top retaining bolt was accessible from above in spite of the A/C compressor sitting above the alternator, and the 2 lower retaining bolts and electric connections was removed from below.

I had to remove the rear bolt in the lower engine support and push the engine forward to get the alternator out.

The alternator casing is cracked ! A mechanic had suggested, that it could be the case, so I guess it is normal ?

Pictures:

Alternator in best position for removal. Engine support has not yet been loosened


Alternator out, loosened engine support visible top right.


Crack !

ID (and crack to the right)

New alternator sourced from ebay.de, 104€ incl. international shipping

http://www.ebay.de/itm/190981364124

Fitting was easy, only annoyance was that I had to remove one of two guiding bushings at the engine as the alternator was prepared for this bushing in a wrong hole...

Engine compartment is now surprisingly quiet