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How long can I drive with alternator going bad?

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Old Feb 6, 2013 | 01:49 PM
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Default How long can I drive with alternator going bad?

my alternator is making awful grinding noises, whining, and roaring from a bad bearing. It is not lossing any power though. Hubs is replacing it this weekend but I am drive 140 miles a day for work. Could I get by the next 2 days - 280-300 miles with it doing this? or am i risking sitting on side of road?

hubs sprayed A LOT of something in it and it has stopped but I know that is temporary.
 
Old Feb 6, 2013 | 02:16 PM
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It could fail when you start it next, or last another 6 months. I wouldn't bet on it lasting the next couple days though.
 
Old Feb 6, 2013 | 02:21 PM
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Yeah as easy as they are to replace I would go ahead and just do it asap and save yourself the risk of getting stranded miles and miles from home, tools, and a ride to the parts store!
 
Old Feb 6, 2013 | 02:24 PM
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When it goes totally out the truck will make it a mile or 2 before the electronics drain the battery and it shuts down.

If its making that kind of noise the bearings are gone now and its already on borrowed time. Personally I wouldn't drive one like that the 2 miles to/back from my local gas station
 
Old Feb 6, 2013 | 02:56 PM
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well if you risk the drive here is the math:

new alt + new battery (maybe) + wrecker > new alt

 
Old Feb 6, 2013 | 03:04 PM
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I have seen the rear bearing so bad there was sparks coming out of the alternator
The owner shut it off in my driveway and it then locked up

I had the one on my pickup lock up and stall the truck as soon as I let my foot off the gas pedal
The serpentine belt was strong enough to stall it but it also destroyed the belt in the proccess
 
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