When Does Alternator Bearings and A/C Bearings Go Bad??

[Vmusic]

Hi,
I have a 01 Civic Coupe with 138,000 miles. (Midwest in the U.S.)

I started to get a whining noise from the engine about a month ago. As the engine idles and I press the gas the noise gets louder and/or the "whine" gets louder, stronger and a little higher pitched. As I let off the gas and the engine idles slower, the noise quiets down some to a 'soft whine'. As long as the engine runs, the noise exists.

The dealer said BOTH the alternator bearings.... and the......... A/C bearings are shot and both need replaced. Both the alternator and A/C are original equipment on the car.

Does this seem to match the symptoms?

Do alternator bearings go bad?
Do A/C bearings go bad?

Is a thousand bucks about the right cost to replace BOTH the alternator and A/C?

Thanks!!
Whining in Columbus

 

[Eternal Searcher]

Hi,
I have a 01 Civic Coupe with 138,000 miles. (Midwest in the U.S.)

I started to get a whining noise from the engine about a month ago. As the engine idles and I press the gas the noise gets louder and/or the "whine" gets louder, stronger and a little higher pitched. As I let off the gas and the engine idles slower, the noise quiets down some to a 'soft whine'. As long as the engine runs, the noise exists.

The dealer said BOTH the alternator bearings.... and the......... A/C bearings are shot and both need replaced. Both the alternator and A/C are original equipment on the car.

Does this seem to match the symptoms?

Do alternator bearings go bad?
Do A/C bearings go bad?

Is a thousand bucks about the right cost to replace BOTH the alternator and A/C?

Thanks!!
Whining in Columbus

Sounds like the alternator is the problem, although I don't know if it's just the bearings or the whole thing that needs replacing. It is becoming a fairly common problem on this version of Civic. I had to have it replaced in my '04 Civic last year.

I seriously doubt that the A/C has anything to do with it. I suggest finding a good private mechanic who specializes in imports.

 

[Vmusic]

Thanks!!

Sounds like the alternator is the problem, although I don't know if it's
just the bearings or the whole thing that needs replacing.  It is becoming a
fairly common problem on this version of Civic.  I had to have it replaced
in my '04 Civic last year.

I seriously doubt that the A/C has anything to do with it.  I suggest
finding a good private mechanic who specializes in imports.

 

[John (15)]

No. I hope no shop will try to squeeze $1000 out of you for these minor bearing noises. Even a complete timing belt change including new idler pulleys and water pump wouldn't cost more than $500-700 on a Civic.

AC bearing does NOT rotate when the AC is on. So if you turn on the AC and the noise goes away then you know. Alternators should last about 100-120 K miles without replacing the brushes or the bearings. I think you got good service out of it.

Rockauto.com lists a Bosch remanufactured alternator at about $120+core +shipping. Should be about $200 incl. labor if you have shop replace it.

AC clutch bearing is replaced as a part of the entire clutch. My guess is about $40-50 bucks + labor.

 

[Vmusic]

No. I hope no shop will try to squeeze $1000 out of you for these minor bearing noises. Even a complete timing belt change including new idler pulleys and water pump wouldn't cost more than $500-700 on a Civic.

AC bearing does NOT rotate when the AC is on. So if you turn on the AC and the noise goes away then you know. Alternators should last about 100-120 K miles without replacing the brushes or the bearings. I think you got good service out of it.

Rockauto.com lists a Bosch remanufactured alternator at about $120+core +shipping. Should be about $200 incl. labor if you have shop replace it.

AC clutch bearing is replaced as a part of the entire clutch. My guess is about $40-50 bucks + labor.

Thanks for the Advice - I am set up with a local mechanic to check it and replace the alternator only... and then I'll sell it.