New (Reman) Alternator gives off a whirring noise ('03 P5)

[pukematrix]

Good evening, folks. I just got a replacement alternator (onlinemazdaparts.com) installed this afternoon. Upon start-up it emits a high-pitch whirring sound (my best descriptor for it). It also occurs at idle and when accelerating. No belt squeal or anything like that, so I'm at a loss. With the engine running, I grabbed the longest screwdriver I had, but the metal to the alternator and gave the handle a listen and it is definitely coming from there.

My questions:
- Anyone have a similar experience and what was the outcome?
- I've never changed an alternator, so don't know if that's a common characteristic which should go away in time (wishful thinking?) or is this likely an issue with a bad bearing?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Last May it was the power steering pump...this May, the alternator. Can't wait until next year.

 

[MonkeyBone]

Got a similar noise, but mine dosen't do it at idle. It does it when accelerating and decelerating. Like some tiny ball bearings going crazy. I think it's the alternator bearing that make this noise!

 

[pukematrix]

Thanks for the reply, MB. It seems to become less pronounced after the engine has run for a few, but is still perceptible at idle. I dropped Jason a line at Montgomery for his input - I'm sure we'll get it straight. Had yours in and making the noise for a while?

 

[MonkeyBone]

About 1 month or so. With windows up it's hard to tell but windows down is a different story. It's like a whistling ball bearing noise in a glass jar...

Weird.(uhm)

Edit:Occurs less when warmed up. Like running for at least 5 miles