Car related: Focus mk1 alternator woes

[Slacker24seve...]

For the second time this year, the alternator on my focus has a whiny bearing.

The first time round I replaced it with a reconditioned one. It has lasted about 7k and is now whining again.

Is this indicative of another problem? The belt and tensioners seem fine. Should I have replaced them too?

Before I go and spunk £80 on a new one, is there anything else I should look at first?
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[Islander]

Have you tried gagging your OH to eliminate extraneous noise?

More seriously, can't you just replace the bearing?

[unitynotsocri...]

Overtightend belts ? I d treat it as a service item. Check any engine interior plastics for misplacement/ airflow disruption.....


Or........buy an Astra.
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[Taught2BCauti...]

As mentioned - Aux Belt too tight can cause bearing noise and rapid wear.

Also, overheating (possibly due to a battery fault) can cause bearing grease to cook-off.
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[Slacker24seve...]

[Bikeless]

Aux belt can't be overtightened in theory,i uses an automatic tensioner.

[MattEMulsion]

Firstly, with a recon alternator you are not buying a 'new' product so it could quite easily have shat the (old) bearings in it within 7000 miles. That's the luck of the draw.

Secondly, unrelated but on a Focus make sure that you are using a calcium battery. Fords of this era have smart charge alternators which see the battery peak charging hit 17v. Hence why a normal lead acid battery will die quite quick and it will also cause strange electrical issues too.
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[Bikeless]

https://www.yuasa.co.uk/info/technical/silver-calcium-batteries/

[Llama-Farmer]

How long was the replacement alternator off the original car before being fitted to yours?

Could be that it started to seize ever so slightly hence the noise.


Otherwise I'd say its probably belt tension.
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[Vincent]

If it's not the belts, maybe the recon people are using shite bearings - 'wouldn't be surprised. Replace with a decent one.
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[Aff]

[Slacker24seve...]

[Bikeless]

I wouldn't worry too much about using calcium batteries,I've always had Fords and never used one,batteries last in excess of 6 years,last one about 10 years,just a normal exide 3 year one.

[Vincent]