Chevrolet: Alternator going?, quick reply, power windows


Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a 2001 Tahoe LT. I've recently noticed a "whining" electrical sound that changes in pitch with the RPM's of the engine. Also, the headlights dim slightly when using the power windows. Are these early symptoms of alternator failure? The battery amps are normal.

Thanks
Answer -
HI
John
     you say that the gauge is ok, and it is charging , well I know sometimes on my silverado when it is damp out I too get a noise and it goes away when the engine warms up, when you say the lights get dim when you use the power windows, a lot of cars do that as you are using juice and it is a drain on the system,You should have the belt looked at as it could be bad If you have over 50.000 miles you should change it .  And the bearing could be going in the alt.so at least have it looked at .
Roger

Hi Roger, thanks for the quick reply,

I replaced my belt recently when I did the water pump, so it's fine.
The whine is constant (hot or cold), and the juice drain seems a little more than normal. As I said, the charging and gauge are showing perfectly normal. The whine is not loud, but noticeable and the pitch definately rises and falls right along with the RPM's

Answer
HI
 Again John;
         OK , well than I would take a good look at the alt. and water pump bearings as most of the cars now a days have a tension self adj. type set up. so if yours is making that type of sound you should have it checked. you don't want to get stuck as it will cost you a LOT more to get fixed.
ok
good luck
if I can help you more just e-mail me.
roger