I've noticed a soft noise that is seemingly coming off the alternator. It sounds like a bad bearing or something, just a slight whine that comes in and out at idle. Can I run the engine w/o spinning the alternator to see if it's the culprit? If so, how would I go about it?
tensioner bearing.... i'll bet $3. it should be a warranty issue, mine did the same thing at about 12k
Yes you can remove the belt to check what is making the noise. Just do not drive the car as you will only be able to drive as far as the battery will go before the ECU shuts it down for voltage below 11.6V IIRC.
my car is so modded they would laugh at warranty coverage...25k miles, new turbo, TMIC, injectors, exhaust, turbo inlet, fuel pump. do you think it's worth a shot? i'm not really that informed as to how cooperative subaru is with warranties?
Call Greg Messler at Morries Minnetonka 952-797-1354. Technically, you didn't mod the alternator (did you?) and therefore the warranty on the alternator should still be good.
