Alternator Whine?

[lakeholme]

OK, what does it mean when the alternator has a distinct high pitched whine?

I looked at a 68 Camaro similar to mine for a friend yesterday, and I couldn't help but notice this whine.  The idle is set up way too high on the car so that may account for some of it.

BTW, the date on the alternator shows it is a 69 alternator, so I told him he would probably want to replace it everntually anyway.  The car was in good shape otherwise --just in need of a good tune up.  But the whine was noticeable...

[68Zproject]

Bearing going out?  He could sell the alt. and make enough to pay for 10 aftermarket ones if it's a Z28 alt.

[dab67]

Phillip:

I agree, sounds like a bearing going out. I replaced mine at the end of the last yearwith the same symptoms.

Dave

[rich69rs]

Similar experience as well - time for a rebuild.

[1968RSZ28]

And while you have it apart replacing both bearings, don't forget to replace the brushes too!  It's easy and a lot of fun!  

Paul

[dab67]

Or another possibility could be the water pump. Sometimes the sound of where you think it is coming from may actually be someplace else

[lakeholme]

Thanks for the help!  I thought it might be a bearing, but I've never dealt with that, so it's helpful to talk with those who have.