1Phat Max

SO i just started hearing this whining noise and i took it to machanic, he checked it out and he says that the bearing on the alternator is gone and it needs to be changed. New alternator with installation would cost $220. Is there any ways i can just get the bearing replaced? where can i find the part #? Also is there any place online where i can get alternator for cheap? Please help me out. .

Parsec

$220's really cheap! where is this?? dealer charges like $500+ for this part plus labor, and my mechanic wanted $430 for parts + labor. i'm actually about to go out in 2 minutes and pick up a new alternator now -- for $200.

ejj

iTrader: (5)

Make sure it doesn't start on fire!

My alternator (remanufactured) cost me $120 and I did the work myself. $220 installed sounds very reasonable.

deezo

iTrader: (3)

Replacing the alternator can be a pain. If your not ready to this this yourself, just pay the 220.

SuperFishstick

there was a recall for 97 and 98 maximas (i think it was those years). If u fall into this category go and see your dealer. He will replace your alternator 4 free!

MaxedOutOfCash

exactly......got mine for free....

1Phat Max

I took it diff. machenic and he thinks its the AC compressor. What should i do?

MaximaManiac

u can get em at autozone for like $160... not sure about brand name or whatever tho

Parsec

JAY25 can vouch for this. He says he'd install a supercharger over an alternator anyday ;-)

ejj

iTrader: (5)

Does it make any noise with the AC off? Because the clutch is disengaged, it wouldn't if it were the problem.

I don't think installing an alternator is nearly that complicated. I did the alternator in 2.5 hours. SC took 12 or so.

1Phat Max

Yes it does make noise white the AC is off. Its a whining noise.

ejj

iTrader: (5)

I would bet its the alternator then. The AC is directly below the alternator, which would explain how you could get them confused.

1Phat Max

Well, Even when the AC is off, the pully for the compressor is still spinning as there is same belt for AC and Alternator.

Wills98MaxSE

As long your Max was built b/w 2/97 - 2/98 you qualify for this recall

Parsec

Yeah, but he says SC is simple and tedious, whereas the alternator u have to wrestle with to take it out. I guess he doesn't like to flex his muscles

wariow

iTrader: (3)

How do you find out what year it is again? And you just go into any dealer and say I need the recall alternator?

ejj

iTrader: (5)

Its really not that complicated to get the alternator out.

Wills98MaxSE

Look on the sticker in your driver door jamb, it should tell you when your Max was manufactured ... if it does fall within those dates you're eligible for the recall ... mine was 1/98 so I had my alternator replaced Summer '02

techie

Just call the dealer, give them your VIN and ask if you fall into the recall.

twiggy144

Detailed step by step procedure to alternator change:

www.motorvate.ca really worth a visit.

1Phat Max

Ok now the big question. Is the car safe to drive like this? I am taking a 700 mile trip this weekend. Should i do it?

ejj

iTrader: (5)

A few days after mine started making noise, the alternator lit on fire!

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....lternator+fire

wariow

iTrader: (3)

Doh, mine was made in 1/97 so I don't qualify?

1Phat Max

**** i shouldnt take chance then...i guess i will be taking my cousins 2k3 MAX SE!!!

twiggy144

This nissan USA link lists the VIN under this recall.

http://www.nissanusa.com/form/0,,act...-51054,00.html

Albertt

That's a decent price, get it replaced. It's not the bearing in the alternator, it's the voltage regulator. A bad bearing would be more of a mechanical scraping/grinding/whirring, not the electrical whining you seem to be describing.