383 Alternator Problem

[LurkinLimey]

Hi Everybody,
Got a problem with my newish (1 year old alternator) on my 383.
Alternator is a WLS 7007 which I believe is correct for '68 B Body.
Alternator has always emitted a high pitch squeal ever since I got the car, and seems to be getting worse at high revs.
Front pulley is also getting very hot with 'mechanical' heat after running for any time.
Alternator operates OK and charges system.
Belt was a little loose and have tightened to run true with about 1/4" defelection, but probelm persists.
Pulley turns pretty smoothly but can hear a squeak from the rear bearing.

My question is is there anyone in the UK who could refurbish my alternator for me, or do I need to source a new unit which would seem a shame.
As usual any help appreciated!
Limey

[Dave999]

needs a new bearing

sounds like its dry or seizing

impact driver and a press needed
press to get pulley off is safest way. although pullers could be used
impact driver to start the long screws that hold it together

i'd suggest that any rebuilder could rebuild it with new bearings. i'd just choose one out of the back of practical classics magazine.

sometimes the bearing cup for the back bearing needs to be driven out by hydraulic force.
you pack it with grease and smack a dowel into it and the grease pushes the bearing cup up and out of the blind hole it is in. common method on aluminium castings so a rebuilder would be familiar with what is needed.

it might just need some grease unless there is a date on it it might have sat on shelf for years before you made your purchase

Dave

[LurkinLimey]

Thanks Dave - Much appreciated.
Will look for a rebuilder in the small ads.
Are the bearings in these things generic parts, or will I have to order from US somewhere?
Got the original invoice for Alternator from previous owner who got it from US Automotive, so believe it was a new part.
Thanks again,
Limey

[Mossy68]

Thanks Dave - Much appreciated.
Will look for a rebuilder in the small ads.
Are the bearings in these things generic parts, or will I have to order from US somewhere?
Got the original invoice for Alternator from previous owner who got it from US Automotive, so believe it was a new part.
Thanks again,
Limey

I've found that most bearings are just a number. Obviously different qualities are available.
Cam chain sprocket bearings for my classic bike were £80 each as a genuine part. I think I got 3 higher quality for £16!!!, many moons ago.
My old house had an old boiler , which was fine , but used to knock out a fan bearing yearly. Had to replace the whole fan assembly at £130 a pop !!!
Managed to find an Italion high temperature bearing for £15. Never needed to touch it again , and probably still good now.
May be totally different on yank stuff ?, but thought I'd put it out there

[ScottyDave]

Thanks Dave - Much appreciated.
Will look for a rebuilder in the small ads.
Are the bearings in these things generic parts, or will I have to order from US somewhere?
Got the original invoice for Alternator from previous owner who got it from US Automotive, so believe it was a new part.
Thanks again,
Limey

I've found that most bearings are just a number. Obviously different qualities are available.
Cam chain sprocket bearings for my classic bike were £80 each as a genuine part. I think I got 3 higher quality for £16!!!, many moons ago.
My old house had an old boiler , which was fine , but used to knock out a fan bearing yearly. Had to replace the whole fan assembly at £130 a pop !!!
Managed to find an Italion high temperature bearing for £15. Never needed to touch it again , and probably still good now.
May be totally different on yank stuff ?, but thought I'd put it out there

I've done the same several times, got a higher quality bearing for less than oem prices. Usually just need the number of the bearing or failing that most online suppliers have a search box where you input the dimensions. Could always search locally for a bearing supplier and take it in personally.

[LurkinLimey]

Thanks all for your advice and assistance.
Found a (very) local specialist called Llandaff Recons who rebuilt my alternator.
They replaced the needle bearing but that wasn't the problem - Problem was a build up of glaze on the rotor which was rubbbing which they cleaned up.
The also retapped the threads on the casing which had been stripped by overtightenng by the previous owner and supplied new quality bolts.
All for the princely sum of £15! (Gave 'em a bit more for a few beers).
Can't recommend these guys enough - same day service too (actually within 2 hours), and they like working on classic yanks.
Reinstalled the alternator and tested voltages - All OK and no more weird noises.
Thanks again,
Limey

[Dave999]

Good News.....

now its good for another 100000 miles.....

and you supported a local business.