alternator..i think

[krazeee1707]

Hey, more recently..i've noticed that my alternator tends to whine and make some type of funny noise after it rains, or even when I get a car wash. Any one else have/had this problem? It kind of worries me. I'm scared my alternator will go out on me.

[sto]

i dont know about that, but i get a wierd noise from my exhaust when i hit puddles when it rains. it kinda sounds like a tugboat horn or something, its really low sounding. all i do is release the gas pedal for a second and it is gone. do u get the same thing???

[Missay]

maybe that's the sound my car was making?? someone at work had me pop the hood and said the noise was coming from the alternator area. plus for a while the lights were dimming at red lights so we figured it was the alternator, but the mechanic claims it's fine

maybe solaras just suddenly like to become noisy at idle?? lol..at least mine does

[Flipside909]

i dont know about that, but i get a wierd noise from my exhaust when i hit puddles when it rains. it kinda sounds like a tugboat horn or something, its really low sounding. all i do is release the gas pedal for a second and it is gone. do u get the same thing???

I get that sound too with my Greddy Evo. I think the sound is resonance from your tires actually slipping(hydroplaning) on any wet surface (meaning the tires are actually spinning faster than they should going 60mph or etc). That is only my assumption for now, but it did seem as if I got more of that noise with my old tires with low tread. I also thought it was my belts slipping, but the alternator and power steering belts were changed along with the timing belt and I still get that noise. I'm glad i'm not the only who's experienced this. Hopefully we can pinpoint the problem and solve it.

[ICUFG]

Sounds like you alternator belt is slipping when it gets wet, you might need a new one or you just need to get your alernator adjusted. Its no big deal any shadetree mechanic can adjust out for you.

[CrazyCraig]

Have you tried using some belt dressing? It may be a cheap fix .........

[supercamsol]

I use to have a galant mitsubishi and I had the same problem

the alternators get wet and since they have a tight grip on the turning pully
they tend to make unusual noises on the belt and pully.It can happen also
when its dry because the barings are worn due to usage and in some cases
loose belts-----when you here alot of noise like squeeking its loose belts

keep in mind that alternator are made to last 2 or 3 years it is no wandor
that they keep it when you change because they know its only the pully
or baring and they can exchange it to make it knew and sell it to anybody
other then you for 250 bucks.

the best way to keep an alternator running longer is to protected from
water which is difficult because the alternator uses the ramming air to keep it cool.