1995 Toyota Previa bearing noise - really $475 for new alternator necessary?

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Chris S

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Took my 1995 toyota previa in for a complete inspection, it has been making this sqealing noise that increases as you push down on the gas.

The noise is apparently coming from a 'failed alternator bearing.' Cost of new alternator + labor = $475. They said it was important to fix this at some point because 'if it blows, it can mess up a whole bunch of systems.' At the same time though they said the noise could also be coming from a part right next to it, I think they said tension bearing or something. Car has 150k miles.

Question is do I really need to be paying $475? There has got to be some kind of cheap way to do this... i.e. I know nothing about cars, but I have been a bicycle mechanic, and I know standard procedure is to order the customer a whole brand new part, mark it up, charge labor, but there is often a cheap way to fix things (i.e. used parts, replace just a piece, etc.) that isn't as shiny or brand new but will get the job done. What should I do?
 
hi
this is difficult without seeing the car,but you could buy a alternator and change it yourself, you would need the previa workhop manual which you can buy at most auto parts stores and some tools. socket set, wd 40 lube spray and a rubber mallet.
you could go to a scrapyard and get another alternator, but its a lottery as you dont know if that would be any good, and sometimes you have to remove the parts yourself, which can be difficult and dangerous.

something you could try , sometimes the fanbelt gets sticky and squeals, usually after a heavy rainy day, all you need to do is put washing up liquid on it, just a bit, and the squeal goes.

i have just checked with my dad and he says, it could be the water pump, as the fan belt goes from the fly wheel to the alternator then on to the water pump, and if the water pump bearing are old they may be 'binding' (get stuck/seizing). this would make them squeal as you sped up. and if the water pump isnt working properly the engine will get too hot and you could blow a gasket, and that would cost even more.

so the problem is what if you get another alternator from the auto parts shop, replace the old one, and then fit it, then it still squeals and needs a new water pump or water pump bearing.

the problem with modern cars is you cant buy just small parts, they are all sealed units. this makes them more efficient, but when they do stop working, you cant fix them.

i would take the car to another garage and see what the mechanics say? try going to two or more.

but first try the fanbelt washing up thing.
sorry i am so long winded
good luck
 
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