I can't quite find my previous thread about this, so i will just update from there.

Took the car to the stealership and they found that all the noise is, is the alternator bearings are cracked and getting worse all the time.

I will scan the statement later.

Now, all I need to know is, has anyone ever had a Alternator seize? I don't think it would happen, but I do need to know.

Thanks.

It will happen, it has happened to me and is not fun.

:?

Shoot.

Thanks.

Ok, on that note, I'm off to the JY and goin to find me some bearings!

buy the whole alt @ the JY.

thats the plan man!

i got caught up in stuff this afternoon, I will be goin tomorrow morning, and hopefully get some other goodies :P

Happened to my folks in a 1993 Blazer, on I-40 running about 80 or so, heard a thunk, then a short whipping sound, Check Gauges light came on and engine died.

Dad pulled over to see what the heck, alt case split in 2, still bolted up to the engine. The rotor thing had flown out, hit the hood, and landed on the steering gear. Molten metal splashes were everywhere, belt shredded. He didnt know it had also cut the hose until he got back home (600 miles) was leaking real slow but we changed it anyways.

Dont take chances, it has the potential for serious damage

I actually had the rear bearing come apart and seized up the alt. I picked up the bearings off of the top of the engine. The pulley got so hot so quick that it burnt my drive belt too.

too bad ur not close to me, i have 3 extra alternators for my bonne lol id have given ya one.

For some reason the Bonneville 3800 eats alternators. Maybe that'* why GM made it so easy to change.

OTOH the Bonneville uses a small diameter alternator (why you can run the plug wires under it). My other 3800s have a large diameter alternator that seems to last for quite a while.

I wonder if ACDelco lasts longer? My lower mileage Bonneville still has the factory alt, Wife'* with 193k oughta have quick release fasteners on it. Changed it in a shirt and tie one time Autozone cheapies. Last one was a used GM one from Ebay, seems to be holding up well.

Edited to add, at the same time I installed said used GM alternator, a new battery went in and before that new battery even got hooked up, I charged it with the setting at 2 amps for a few hours beforehand, after reading here that sometimes a weak battery can kill an alternator, and vice versa. Just a Wal Mart battery but hey, whatever works.