Power steering pump noise turn out to be a seized alternator
 

Last week, I thought I had a power steering noise. Flushed the system and the noise went away for a while. Yesterday, while driving on the freeway, all the instrument lights came on. A burnt smell came from the engine. Managed to get home. Found that the alternator belt was gone with some residue of burnt material in the engine bay. I try to turn the alternator manually, it would not turn. Must have seized. What happened?

I look at different sources for a rebuilt Bosch, prices seem to be all over the place, from 146 to $229. Are they comparable? What are your experiences?

I am going to do a search on replacing the alternator. Managed to wiggle it out last night. It looks like I'll have to remove the radiator and some of the other belts to do this.

Any suggestion would be appreciated.

John

By the way, the car is an 86 420sel with the original alternator. Not bad for almost 20 years.

John

bump
 

Anyone?

John

maybe when the inspector spilt p/s fluid all over everything, it got into the alternator??

i have yet to replace the alternator, just the voltage regulator so i dont know what would be the best source.