engine or trans noise

For sometime now I was wondering what that sound might be while driving my 2000 honda accord ex v6 . Today when my car left me on the road I learned what it was. It is the alternator. I was told by the mechanic that that most probably the bearings inside the alternator has gone bad and the moving part inside hit the surrounding while turning, which burned the alternator. Apparently this is very common with Denzel alternators that Honda used in this model. Repair is laborsome and the alternator itself is not so cheep, so the mechanic asked for $550.

Correction: It's a Denso alternator, not Denzel.

If only the bearings are worn, they can be replaced. Parts are easily available at parts stores. However you would need tools to remove the pulley, something to hold or an impact wrench.

Without hearing the noise first hand it is a bit hard to say, is the noise constant with road speed or engine speed? regardless I would be very wary about any purchase with a noise like this, it may be a very expensive fix, you must ask your self, why are there selling the car? have they had this noise checked and want rid of the car to an unsuspecting person?

I brought my 2000 Accord EX in because it was making a noise and firestone said it was the alternator and wanted $350 to replace it. I bought it at pep boys for $144 and replaced it myself. The noise i still there. I am about to bring it back to them in the AM to let them know it wasn't the alternator and they charged me a $10 diag fee....I'll let you know whats happens