Noisy Bosch Alternator (Bearings)

The alternator on my P38 4.6 Vogue is a bit noisy. No big deal I thought just get a new one. Then I find out that because my RR has the later "THOR" motor the alternator costs over £400 for a new one as opposed to approx £120 for a "GEMS" powered RR. I'm not impressed.
Has anyone changed the bearings in one of these?
Any suggestions for companies that rebuild them?

Thanks,

LW

355 from famous 4x4, also try dls landrover in derbyshire, i have found the competative on price!

for changing the bearing, there should be a way, the bearing should be easy enough to source, theres a company in sheffield called city seals and bearings, they usually can find the bearing from the deatails on the bearing.

its always worth a try to repair things like this but be prepared for it all going tits up and you having to replace the alternator!

any sort of auto electic company that does alternators should be able to repair it.

Lone_Wolf said:

The alternator on my P38 4.6 Vogue is a bit noisy. No big deal I thought just get a new one. Then I find out that because my RR has the later "THOR" motor the alternator costs over £400 for a new one as opposed to approx £120 for a "GEMS" powered RR. I'm not impressed.
Has anyone changed the bearings in one of these?
Any suggestions for companies that rebuild them?

Thanks,

LW

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I don't know your particular alternator, but I have done bearings on other Nippon Denso & Lucas alternators. Piece of cake. If you decide to have a go, put new brushes in at the same time as they are bound to be worn.

Locate a local bearing stockist from Yellow Pages, strip the alternator and armed with the numbers from the existing bearing(s) or the old bearing as a sample, get them from there. Always specify a reputable make as some of the cheaper bearings are Far East cr*p. You will find the bearing suppliers far cheaper than car spares suppliers and they are also a useful source of "O" rings, Oil Seals and Loctite type products.

All sorted now thanks. Had the bearings in the alternator changed by these guys Universal - Specialist in Rotating Electrics :: Universal Starters and Alternators for £45. While I was at it I replaced the Serpentine belt as the old one was cracking up. That noise seems cured, though I'm still concerned that either the idler wheels or AC pump maybe a little noisy now. Time will tell.

Thanks for the replies. LW

If it's the idler bearing, don't buy a new idler-get a replacement bearing from a bearing supplier.

Irishrover said:

If it's the idler bearing, don't buy a new idler-get a replacement bearing from a bearing supplier.

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Can you direct me as to where the idler bearing sits, pictures would be great.

Appreciated.

if it,s the thor engine there are 2 one either side and have a 13mm bolt holding them on,if they are the plastic ones change them for steel other wise like irish said just replace the bearing

i have a noisy wife, can i replace the bearing in that or shall i just tell her to shut the fcuk up?

gavbriggs said:

i have a noisy wife, can i replace the bearing in that or shall i just tell her to shut the fcuk up?

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the latter gav.:

gavbriggs said:

i have a noisy wife, can i replace the bearing in that or shall i just tell her to shut the fcuk up?

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UM im going to google your phone num,ber and tell her what u said u naughty boyo

Beast o Bodmin said:

UM im going to google your phone num,ber and tell her what u said u naughty boyo

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google away! she will not answer unsolicited calls, neither do i!! and who would she believe? her doting husband or some moron from a forum(not that youre a moron of course)

andy 0352 said:

if it,s the thor engine there are 2 one either side and have a 13mm bolt holding them on,if they are the plastic ones change them for steel other wise like irish said just replace the bearing

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It's a thor, do you mean either side of the alternator? Excuse the novice.

The TOR engine has an inlet manifold (Top of engine) which looks like two rows of sausages whereas the GEMS has a rectangular box, black on top, ribbed and either 4.0 or 4.6 cast into it.

shabbs said:

It's a thor, do you mean wither side of the alternator? Excuse the novice.

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It's a THOR, honest.

Had another listen, it sounds like it's coming from the alternator.

shabbs said:

Had another listen, it sounds like it's coming from the alternator.

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Looking from the front, It is in fact the left side idler bearing that's noisy. Does anyone have the bearing details on this one?

Appreciated.

I think its only £12 rom Island 4x4 all in

Willos said:

I think its only £12 rom Island 4x4 all in

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Cheers mate.