I have a 96 SLE. After it has warmed up, approximately 20 minutes, a noise comes from the engine that sounds like a diesel has pulled up beside me. It seems to be coming from the alternator pulley. Any thoughts? A friend suggested alternator bearings are bad. Thanks.

The alternators are notorious for eatin up the rear bearings and burning diodes inside the alternator. I would use a stethoscope or garden hose to pin point exactly more where the noise is coming from ( alternator or other pulleys ). It maybe the rear bearings of the altenator since after it warms up.. the alternator is hot by then.. and ruins the bearing oil/grease within the alternator rear bearing. Those bearings are stamped and not precision milled.. and they cost bout 6 bux or so if you buy it from some shops that sells bearings.. just find the dimension.

Thanks Drifter. I'm in Brampton. Noticed you were in Ontario also. Know any places in the area?

In Brampton ?? nice.. check out Gatherings in Ontario.. we're having a Barrie Auto flea Market meet this weekend and will have more on the way. Please send me through email or PM me your Email addy so I can add it to my list of BonnevilleCLub Ontario chapter members list of any further future meets.

As for the place.. there use to be a place on Cross Ave. in Oakville and one in the business section @ winston Churchill dundas district.. but haven't been there in ages so I don't know if it'* still there.. I'll see if I can find it for you tomorrow. Are you sure it'* the rear bearing? ( I know Crappy Tire also sells rebuilt kits, but have never tried... I think they're kinda pricey there.. )

Yup It is almost definatly your Alt... I have a similar sound but only happends when I accel... It sounds like a turbo winding up...