Landon_92

Hi all - I need help diagnosing an engine whine on my 09 Tahoe. It can be heard while the engine is at idle and as I accelerate, though I really only notice it at lower speeds/rpms. I've attached a video of the whine and hope y'all can help me find the problem!

https://youtu.be/qPNGqrdBSg0
Thanks.

oilcanhenry

The alternator bearing is gone.

Cusser

Engine off, take off the serpentine belt, easy (draw a diagram of YOUR belt orientation FIRST, my 2005 Yukon has like 5 separate diagrams on its sticker). Then spin by hand the idlers, alternator, power steering pump, etc. by hand, feel and listen for a bad component.

Landon_92

​​​​​​The alternator isn't even a year old - Is it common for them to fail so quickly?

Landon_92

I'll give that a try, thanks!

Cusser

I don't know: our 1998 Suburban, our 1994 Suburban, and our 2005 Yukon never needed their alternators replaced. But all needed replacement starters.

We did have a 1984 Jeep Cherokee which had a GM alternator and that did go bad.

Landon_92

Interesting. This is the second alternator I've replaced in this Tahoe, the first one I put in lasted about 5 years I think.

oilcanhenry

Yes. Lots of new parts are junk, made with cheap bearings and so forth being manufactured in MX or Asia.

repairman54

My '99 Yukon went through the OEM and a new replacement alt. in the 190k miles I had it. Delphi alt. where junk back then.
Not for bearings but they had charging loss.

oilcanhenry

Delphi is better than they were a few years ago. Cloee to ACDelco, but still not as good, IMO.