Alternator issues

[skullone]

Sounds like my alternator may be going bad, or the belt/pullies? are going bad.

When the car is cold, I hear a squeal thats really only present when theres a load (ie lights, defroster..)
I heard a ton of stories about people getting alternators rebuilt, but it never solving it 100%.

Is it worth just buying a new alternator, and not bothering getting it rebuilt?

[beetle_orange]

i would probably go with a surplus one first. there's a couple of forum members that are doing a BP swap, i am sure they'd be more than willing to sell you parts of their z5.

[mannydingo]

i would probably go with a surplus one first. there's a couple of forum members that are doing a BP swap, i am sure they'd be more than willing to sell you parts of their z5.

Yeah, but he should ask for the pullies too so if it keeps squealing, he can take the alternator off and try that also.

[Tawd]

Just have your belts tightened. It's a common problem.

[juniortrd]

Just have your belts tightened. It's a common problem.

I concur.

Whenever mine starts squeeling I just tighten it, and its fine for a few months until the belt stretches, then I retighten it....

It would also help to put a better quality belt on there also. I found OEM Bandos on carparts.com

[Project Protoge]

I agree with Tawd. Check your belt for wear and stretching. To see if it is loose grab the middle of the belt and try to turn it 90 degrees. If it turns more then tighten it.