werid ticking noise from around alternator

[doofelx]

hi everyone , earlier on today after i cleaned the whole car out , i started the car up to a werid ticking noise coming from around the alternator on idle and it goes when revved and its only just started happening can any one help
hopefully the video below might help if you hear the ticking noise like a cricket lol

 

[fingers99]

Very difficult to tell. Try using a long screwdriver as stethescope (blunt end to ear!) or a "real" engine stethescope to better isolate the source of the sound.

Alternatively, remove the alternator belt. If the noise disappears when you run the engine, it has to be the alternator.

 

[Mozella]

Very difficult to tell. Try using a long screwdriver as stethescope (blunt end to ear!) or a "real" engine stethescope to better isolate the source of the sound.

Alternatively, remove the alternator belt. If the noise disappears when you run the engine, it has to be the alternator.

Good advice. Actually any piece of solid rod works well .................. watch that pesky moving belt!!!

The alternator is the best bet, but in reality it could be anything which rotates with the aux belt including the tensioner pulley and air conditioning compressor (if you have one).

 

[8valver]

do these alternators have clutches pulleys?

belt would normaly squeak or bounce though ?

 

[fingers99]

No clutches. Plain old pulley. Belts will squeal if a little too loose.

But alternators can make a very loud noise if the bearings or other rotating parts are on their way out, which will stop as soon as the belt is removed.