Hi all its the northumbrian numpty again.

I have a 1995 4.0 P38 Petrol with lpg (BRC Multipoint) - a new noise has appeared and its making my wallet nervous! Its mainly a dull whine that occaisionaly becomes high pitched then goes back to a dull hum/whine, its hard to tell but I think its coming from the alternator - do these have replace able bearings? or is there something else i should check before it goes in to see an expert with a hammer and spanner?

it happens when the car is stationary and in neutral as well as moving and it follows the engine revs. Its a basic model (the one with the 1970s velour) so no air con and ive also checked the belt and tha seems fine (was relaced last year with the water pump as a precaution)

I have obviously removed the wife from the passenger seat but its still there so cant blame her for this one!

thanks

Alternator or belt tensioner bearings. Alternator bearings can be replaced.

I had a similar noise from mine earlier this year & was convinced it was my alternator. I had it refurbed & the noise was still there. I then changed all the pulleys / tensioner pulley & quite as a mouse now. The sound from failing pulley bearings can transfer to the alternator. Get a length of hosepipe & listed around - be careful though.

Bearings can be replaced but it depends which alternator you have for difficulty involved. Bosch are usually not a problem. Valeo can be a bastard job, if it has four bolts in the middle where the cases joint is holding back on, you need to know what you are doing.

Many thanks to all for the replies - much appreciated, will have a good look at the weekend.