Cadillac Repair: 1985 Fleetwood Cadilac, front wheel drive, rear wheel drive

Question
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Followup To
Question -
My car was not charging and in looking seen that the bolt holding the alternator was gone? But before that i heard what sounded like the fan hitting something. After the bolt was replaced it continued to make the noise and the lights started to go dim and i barely made it home.  I sure would appreciate any help you can give me.
Thank you in advance
Liza
Answer -
Hi Liza, Is this a front wheel drive or rear wheel drive Fleetwood? Bill

it is a front wheel drive

Answer
Hi Lisa, Noises to the componants that are run by the serpentine belt are sometimes difficult to isolate so they came out with a belt kit that can eliminate a componant but run the others. If you can take the serpentine belt off then turning the pulleys can show which one is bad. Other times buying a mechanics stethoscope and taking the probe end off so you can hold the hose end next to things and isolate the noise that way while the engine is running. Sears sells this stethoscope. Alternator bearings going bad will make a growl noise so maybe replacing the alternator will eliminate the noise and the no-charge condition especially if it appears to be the original alternator. If nothing appears obvious then sounds like taking it to the shop and have them test the battery and charging system and see where the noise is comming from is the way to go. Hope that helps. Bill