OK a 3800 question but not a Bonneville one But humor me

I am getting a 'buzzing' sound from the alternator upon startup of the engine. Almost sounds like the groaning of a power steering pump from the inside of the car.

The alternator only does it when cold. After about a half mile of driving the noise stops and runs without noise. It varies with RPM. It'* been charging fine and continues to charge fine....

I thought it might be a bearing but doesn't a bearing squeek? Strange indeed....

Am I going to be *.O.L. on the side of the road soon?

Thanks.....

--Chris

I would guess... yes. Buy a spare and have tools with you.

Why not just change it NOW to avoid any inconvenience later on It will most likely go bad on the road and not in your driveway.

got a stethescope? Or a screwdriver? I'd check that rear bearing. Do you know how old the battery and alt are?

Thanks! Yup, I have a 'scope and can check that out. The battery is about a year old and the alternator....well I have no idea how old that it I can be pretty sure its not the original since this beast has 215k on it! I am getting rid of the car in a month (donating it for a tax write off, the roof leaks) so I just hope it can survive a months worth of driving.

Where exactly should I be putting the scope on the alternator? In the back?

Can bearings freeze up on you? That would really suck going down the road