Hi guys,
(Thankfully) a little while since I’ve posted, but a quick question please!
My lovely ‘06 has been as good as gold and so far I’ve only had to fix wear and tear items in the last four years. Yesterday she’s started to make a bit of a howling/whining noise that I can only describe as sounding like a service bus! I popped the lid, and had a listen as it rises and falls with engine speed. There’s a slight whiff of electrical and the sound seems to be coming from the alternator. I’m a short git, so can’t get close enough to tell for sure. All electrics are (so far) running fine, but is my howler a sign that the alternator is on the way out and I should replace it asap? Is that a normal indicator of an impending failure?
I’ve only just replaced the rear lower arms and rose joints so does anyone have any ideas how much I’m likely to be hammered for if it does turn out to be the alternator? Cheers in advance and wishing you all a great new year!

Si. FFRR 4.2SC/KTM 990SMT Current and cherished.
Honda Accord 2.4 Vtec touring. (Yeah, I know, think: Kids)
Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution Nut-wagon. and a Buell XB12R
TVR Griffith 5.0 (backed up with Vauxhall Carlton road barge for the weekly shop.)
Honda Integra Type R DC2 Possibly the best drivers car. Ever.
Mitshibishi FTO GPX MIVEC.
Honda CRX Vtec Mk2 -NO, Not the del sol!!!
Volkswagen Scirocco GT
Mini 1275GT
MG Midget (Heavily modified)
I'm going to stop now.....

Mine started to whine although not as loud as yours. I bought a cheap mechanic’s stethoscope, put it on the alternator and bobs your uncle!

Fitted new alternator and all is well.

Mine is an 06 S/C too 👍

Thanks for the speedy reply Philip, was it an expensive job please?

Si. FFRR 4.2SC/KTM 990SMT Current and cherished.
Honda Accord 2.4 Vtec touring. (Yeah, I know, think: Kids)
Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution Nut-wagon. and a Buell XB12R
TVR Griffith 5.0 (backed up with Vauxhall Carlton road barge for the weekly shop.)
Honda Integra Type R DC2 Possibly the best drivers car. Ever.
Mitshibishi FTO GPX MIVEC.
Honda CRX Vtec Mk2 -NO, Not the del sol!!!
Volkswagen Scirocco GT
Mini 1275GT
MG Midget (Heavily modified)
I'm going to stop now.....

Just had same symptoms and new alternator was needed. Cost of alternator plus book which is 3.7 hours. Unless you do it yourself .

I knew what it was but it packed in before I got round to it. A new LR one was quoted at over £800 and a LR re-con was over £500.

I went with a Lucas aftermarket at £300 odd as it was getting to the stage of repairs taking it over the car’s value.

Done by my indie at total of £730 😢 John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

I replaced it myself, I think the alternator was about 250 euros (I live in France). But I did buy a denso which was the original brand. Cheaper ones were less.

Just checked and my Denso was exactly 254.81 euro

Brill (apart from the cost….) cheers lads! Is it a job from the top or underneath? FFRR 4.2SC/KTM 990SMT Current and cherished.
Honda Accord 2.4 Vtec touring. (Yeah, I know, think: Kids)
Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution Nut-wagon. and a Buell XB12R
TVR Griffith 5.0 (backed up with Vauxhall Carlton road barge for the weekly shop.)
Honda Integra Type R DC2 Possibly the best drivers car. Ever.
Mitshibishi FTO GPX MIVEC.
Honda CRX Vtec Mk2 -NO, Not the del sol!!!
Volkswagen Scirocco GT
Mini 1275GT
MG Midget (Heavily modified)
I'm going to stop now.....

It can be done from the top.

You’ll need to remove the fan shroud and viscous fan (you’ll need a viscous fan spanner), once that’s off, remove the belt, and then by feel you can remove the wires and bolts from the alternator and pull it out of the front.

I changed mine a couple of years ago as it was putting out a max voltage of 13.5v.

The original one on the car is a Denso.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275864264076?mk...media=COPY

David. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2007 Range Rover Supercharged in Java Black with Ivory Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior

I got away with not removing my fan and shroud, although access was swear inducing! I did have to unbolt and move the expansion tank and bracket though.

I love this place! Thank you all so much!
Brill help!

Si. FFRR 4.2SC/KTM 990SMT Current and cherished.
Honda Accord 2.4 Vtec touring. (Yeah, I know, think: Kids)
Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution Nut-wagon. and a Buell XB12R
TVR Griffith 5.0 (backed up with Vauxhall Carlton road barge for the weekly shop.)
Honda Integra Type R DC2 Possibly the best drivers car. Ever.
Mitshibishi FTO GPX MIVEC.
Honda CRX Vtec Mk2 -NO, Not the del sol!!!
Volkswagen Scirocco GT
Mini 1275GT
MG Midget (Heavily modified)
I'm going to stop now.....