Ive been noticing a load groan under the hood latley and have determined that the bearing in the alternator are shot. I took off the belt and spun the alternator and it made a bad bearing sound. I really dont want to pay $80 for a new reman one. How can I put new bearings in it. Anyone done it?

 

it can be done. best thing to do is find a bearing kit or if you know someone who is good with bearings(and has a bunch laying around that will fit) to help. i actually have this problem with my 98 intrigue right now and i'm putting in some heavy-duty bears so i wont have this problem anymore.

or you could go to the junkyard and gamble with one or even find an upgrade alt.

 

would you happen to know the model alternator i have so i can order new bearings. I looked at it under the hood and see no identification markings on it. I think its a denso but i really dont know more than that. Anyone know what number i have.

 

not sure. my 91' has a different alternator

 

I found the answer. THis kit will work in case anyone else is wondering.

http://www.genosgarage.com/GOULD-ALT...ULD_ARK_DENSO/

 

My '93 is Denso. bran, that'll work on our Dakota?

 

Take the bearings out and take them to a bearing shop, they will measure them and give you replacements.
Most bearings are standard sizes.
I bought a fishing reel with 2 bearings in it over a 7 bearing reel for twice the price. Then i took all the plastic inserts out and replaced them with bearings. that was 32 years ago and the reel still works good.

 

The hardest part is going to be to get the nut, pully, and fan off the front of the alternator. I've always used an air impact for this. Be real careful removing the old bearing and pressing the new ones in--the alternator cases are fragile. Heat (from a heat gun) and penetrating oil can help.

While you have it apart, if you can get to it, it's a good idea to repack the bearing on the idler pully, too. Just unbolt it, pry the plastic cover off and squish some wheel bearing grease into the bearing (you can clean the bearing races and ***** up with brake cleaner, btw.) Then replace the plastic cover.

 

Its all done, I pressed in the new bearings and its quiet. I didn't replace the brushes because they were the same length as the new ones, they were not worn, I'll keep them for when they do. The only hard part was removing the little bearing. I had to crack the race on it to remove it. I cut with a cut off tool and then used a chisel to make a crack in it and then it came off with vise grips. Not bad for a first timer.

 

WELL DONE!