Hey guys,

Well, my engine has had a loud whine to it comming from the alternator now for a long time. The noise is more annoying then anything else right now. But it's also a worry of mine. The noise is absolutely comming from the alternator on the right side of the engine.

Obviously with my snorkel and vids/pics I post from time to time. I see alot of deep mud and water. I imagine there's mud/water that's gotten into the alternator more than just on one occasion.

This whine has been there for at least several months and several offroading trips. It gets louder with the engine revs, most likely due to the belt spinning the alternator.

My question:

Is this a sign my alternator may die at any moment? Should I replace it now and not have a problem at a very bad time later on?

Is this something a little grease or cleaner sprayed inside may help, and if so, any specific spots to aim into it and what kind of grease/cleaner do you reccomend? Like WD-40 into the "air slots" where the mud/water most likely entered? Or electrical contact cleaner?


Any help is appreciated guys!! And most importantly, is this even a concern? Or just an annoyance with making my engine whine.

 

Is this something a little grease or cleaner sprayed inside may help, and if so, any specific spots to aim into it and what kind of grease/cleaner do you reccomend?

yeap WD-40 into the "air slots" where the mud/water most likely entered after rinsing it off after a wheeling trip

Electrical contact cleaner after everything dries up just to get out anything else that may be in there

 

Uhhhhhh...I wouldn't do WD40 unless you want a FIRE. It is classified as EXTREMELY flammable. You might have some success with brake parts cleaner. It is the same chemical compound as electrical parts cleaner and will evaporate completely.

 

it is an alternator,without it you are walking,if in doubt change it out

 

Hey thanks guys,

I think you guys might be right afterall...I decided to investigate further as recommended and now I am not sure it is the alternator afterall. Could be the idler pulley...I think.

Just to verify, the idley pulley is just below and to the left of the alternator's pulley when looking at the engine from the front? If that is the idler pulley, then I guess I have to replace it.

Sadly, the dealership said they have no time during my days off to do it. And I'm in the military and this is my only vehicle, so I can't drop it off like they wanted me to do. So I will replace it on my own, but I have to confirm that the pulley I see/hear is the idler pulley.

 

with the engine running and making the noise you chasing, take a long screw driver hold it to the case of the ALT andput your ear to it then move to the housings of the the accessory pulleys....old school stethoscope...or you can for over about 20 buck and buy an automotive one at sears

if you suspect the belt, moisten a rag w brake fluid and run along the face of the belt. This with mosieten and swell the rubber slightly....dont use any petroleum base stuf as oil disolves rubber, i guess silicone would work ok, but its to much of a lubricant and might cause slippage


Gex

 

Nope, that's the tensioner pulley. The idler pulley is on the driver's side.

 

here is the idler pully, they are different for w/ac and w/o ac

moparpartsamerica.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214583&cha pter=&Sectionids=0,2308&groupid=51824&subgroupid=2 342&componentid=4099&make=17&model=Wrangler&year=2 007&graphicID=WJ07055&callout=2&catalogid=2&displa yCatalogid=0

 

Hey guys,

You were right all along, it WAS the idler pulley. I had it replaced and the engine runs silently again. Thanks for the help!!