Charging System - Alternator Bearing Noise

Model
1990-93
ACCORD

Applicable To
ALL

File Under
ELECTRICAL

Bulletin No.
94-043

Issue Date
DEC 5, 1994

Alternator Bearing Noise

SYMPTOM

A high-pitched squealing noise coming from the engine compartment.

PROBABLE CAUSE

A worn front bearing in the alternator.

DIAGNOSIS

Remove the alternator belt, as described in the appropriate service manual. Start the engine, and if the noise is eliminated, proceed to CORRECTIVE ACTION.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace the front alternator bearing with the bearing listed under PARTS INFORMATION.

1. Remove the alternator from the vehicle as described in section 23 of the appropriate service manual.

2. Remove the pulley locknut and the pulley from the alternator.

Alternator Disassemble:

3. Remove the three 5 mm flange nuts and the 5 x 7 mm screw from the alternator; then remove the plate terminal.

Alternator Disassemble:

4. Remove the 6 mm washer nut and the terminal insulator from the "B" terminal; then remove the end cover and dust seal.

Alternator Disassemble:

5. Remove the brush holder from the alternator (two 4 x 6 mm screws).

Alternator Disassemble:

6. Remove the voltage regulator from the alternator (two 4 x 25 mm screws and one 4 x 6 mm screw).

Alternator Disassemble:

7. Remove the four 4 x 6 mm screws attaching the stator wire leads to the diode (rectifier) assembly. Remove the diode assembly and the four stator wire lead insulators.

Alternator Disassemble:

8. Remove the four 5 mm flange nuts and the wire harness bracket from the rear housing assembly. Remove the rear housing assembly using a commercially available two-jaw puller.

Alternator Disassemble:

9. Support the stator housing in a bench vise. Hold the underside of the rotor as you drive it out of the stator housing using a soft-face hammer.

10. Inspect the rotor shaft for galling, and inspect the bearing journal surface in the stator housing for seizure marks. If none exist, continue on to step 11. If damage is present, replace the alternator.

Alternator Disassemble:

11. Remove the four 4 x 19 mm screws and the retainer plate holding the front bearing.

Alternator Disassemble:

12. Support the stator assembly in a bench vise, and drive the front bearing out using a brass drift and a hammer.

Alternator Bearing Installation:

13. Using a hammer and the special tools, install a new front bearing into the stator housing.

14. Reassemble the alternator in reverse order of disassembly.

Adjusting Belt Tension:

15. Reinstall the alternator, and adjust the belt tension by attaching the special tool as shown.

Alternator Belt Tension:

45 to 60 kg (450 to 600 N, 99 to 123 lb.)

NOTE:
^ With a brand new belt, the tension should be 95 to 115 kg (950 to 1150 N, 209 to 253 lb).

^ If the belt tension is too tight, the alternator front bearing will fail.

Adjusting Belt Tension:

16. Reinstall the power steering pump, and adjust the belt tension by attaching the special tool as shown.

Power Steering Belt Tension:

35 to 50 kg (350 to 500 N, 77 to 110 lb)

NOTE:
^ With a brand new belt the tension should be 50 to 70 kg (500 to 700 N, 110 to 154 lb).

PARTS INFORMATION

Front Bearing:

P/N 31114-PTO-013, H/C 4483368

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.

Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must-request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

Operation number: 118201

Flat rate time: 1.5 hours

Failed part: P/N 31100-PT3-A51
H/C 3275880

Defect code: 042

Contention code: B07