Is my alternator on its way out?

[inv4zn]

So today, totally randomly, car starts making this whining noise at idle, which gets louder until ~2k rpm in first, and then is drowned out by exhaust.

I've never had alternator whine before so I'm not sure if this is it or not...so there's the sound.

So I come home, pop the hood, and notice right away its a lot hotter in there. Car was only driven ~20 minutes, so it shouldn't have been that hot.

Also, it smells like burning rubber...

All the electricals seem fine, and car starts fine as well...

Is my alt. going out? Anything else it could be?

How hard/expensive is it to replace it...?

Thanks

 

[storms]

It could be the Alt or the bearing in you belt tensioner pulley, I had to replace mine a few months ago!

 

[ejreams]

I would bet its the bearing in the alternator.

Mine went out twice.
it makes a whining sound, then when you accelerate it goes away.

 

[inv4zn]

Is the bearing storms mentioned the same thing as the one ejreams mentioned?

How would one replace this?

 

[itsallgsho]

Not a expert here, but had similar experience before with the whining noise, turned out to be the belts. Took it to an uncle's shop, not exactly sure what he did but he replaced them I think. No more whining noise. Good luck and hope its nothing serious.

 

[ejreams]

You can't replace them, its a solid unit.
You'll need a replacement.

 

[inv4zn]

Is it alright to drive on it for a few days?

Its Sunday today, and is thanksgiving tomorrow so I probably won't get a chance to take it in until a few days later...

 

[xx24xx]

Wut? Tomorrow is Thanksgiving?

 

[inv4zn]

Wut? Tomorrow is Thanksgiving?

Up in Canada it is....hahaha

So? Can I drive on it?

 

[mkdb89-02se]

dude u got ur days mixed up ...wat canada? it a month or so earlier?.. yall do things much diff lol...i wld not risk it but if u baby it it might last a few days.... its not hard and not to expensive