I've been noticing a whining from one of my accessories... I'm not surprised with the weather being as cold as it'* been. I'm pretty sure it'* the altenator.... I did the old screwdriver to the ear trick and it seems louder than the tensioner. The whine doesn't change pitch when you turn the wheel so I'm ruling out ps pump. Is there any way to lube the bearing or another way to double check before I buy another altenator?

Only way Iknow to double check is to walk about 1/2 mile away. If you still hear the whine.......j/k

You can try pulling the belt and moving each pulley by hand to try and feel the bad bearing. It'* so cold out..I'd let it warm up first though.

is that what the loud whine is ?

Agreed - Cars and cold = Bummer.
There was a previous post on lubing the idler pulley bearing.
As Boosty said pull the belt and spin them to see which it is.
Some worn out belts can whine or squeal also.

check for belt squeal by hitting the running belt with wd40

I'll check it out.... thanks!

Just to clarify. DO NOT attempt to use WD40 to lubricate anything!! Don't even spray it on parts that might need to be lubed! On the belt, probably okay to test if it'* the problem. on real moving parts, bad!!!

I'm not sure if it can get into any of the bearings, but if it does, you'll go from a possibly failing bearing to a dead bearing real quick.....

Correct, but it doesn't take much of a shot on the belt to rule it out. You'll hear it instantly if it is belt squeal.

I was intending that to warn against either overspray, or someone who didn't know. Kinda didn't come out right, huh??

A bar of soap works, too. Hold it against the belt for a couple of seconds, and it'll temporarily keep it from whining.

Wish i would've gotten that post earlier.... It'* not belt noise. It'* going for an inspection on Thursday. I'll get another opinion then.