2005 Chevy Silverado Possible alternator

2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
71,700 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JET12GRIBS26SKI
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The pass two days my truck has started making these "grinding" noises when I'm traveling down the road, which I never heard it come from before. When that started happening my oil and battery gauges started having mood swings. I checked the belt and it is still in great shape. The oil and transfer fluids are right where they need to be and nothing is dripping from the engine. What has puzzled me is that it doesn't do it unless I get up/over 30 mph. My guess is the alternator is starting to fail, but I'm not quite sure.
Mar 9, 2010 at 4:34 AM
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JDL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hi, if engine noise, you can up the rpms in park. Turn on some accessories, see if you can hear the noise under the hood. Sometimes I use a long shank screwdriver to hear better, place the tip against the alternator body or whatever, the other end of the shank, I place against the side of my head. My hearing is no good, listening that way helps, me. You just have to be careful not to get anything caught in a belt or pulley, anything.

If you only hear it going down the road, maybe a u-joint-- wheel bearing, something of that nature?
Mar 9, 2010 at 4:43 AM
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JET12GRIBS26SKI
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When it makes the grinding noise, it sounds like metal on metal and it feels like it is right in front of me and the dash. Would that make a difference?
Mar 9, 2010 at 7:38 AM
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JDL
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  • 16,098 POSTS
I wouldn't drive it, till you get it checked out. Might be an output shaft bearing or wheel bearing, I can't tell from here? You could safely raise and support the driver side front tire, shake--pull-- roll, see if you feel--hear-- see anything. May not show up unless there is weight on it?
Mar 9, 2010 at 7:56 AM
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JET12GRIBS26SKI
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Just wanted to say thanks for your input. I went two more days and didn't want to drive the truck anymore and took it in. My right side wheel bearing was totally loose and rusted out and my brake router was rusted too. But the left side was perfect. Not sure why that is. So, I just had them both replaced with new pads and everything. I could really tell the difference when I first started driving down the road.
Mar 17, 2010 at 5:17 AM
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JDL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,098 POSTS
I'm glad you got it going your way.
Mar 17, 2010 at 5:52 AM
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