Alternator Replacement - Question

[bschmidt25]

I understand there are two options for the alternator: Valeo and Bosch. I'm not sure which one I have yet, but does it matter if I replace one with the other?

Some background... I had been hearing some squeeking at idle that I thought was the idler pulley. It only made noise when idling. As soon as you gave it gas it went away. I ordered a replacement for it as well as the tensioners (parts coming in today). But yesterday I got the red battery light on my way home from work (about 10 miles in to a 60 mile commute). Luckily I made it home without issue. I know it can still be one of the tensioners and/or idler pulley, but I plan on pulling off the alternator and taking it to Autozone to have them test it. I'm pretty sure it's bad. I checked the battery and it was at 11.3V after starting it and pulling it into the garage (though it's only 17 degrees outside). If bad, I know they have the Bosch in stock, but not the Valeo. Just want to make sure I get the right one.

Thanks!

[Cereal]

Don't think it matters. I wasnt able to wait and got a duralast from auto zone and its been fine. I would think Bosch would be first choice anyways unless valeo was the OES

Good luck

[bschmidt25]

Thanks Cereal!

[Talan]

Just got the one from Rock Auto (Pure Energy) for $225 with a $60 core. Shipped and delivered within 2 days, and now in the car running just fine. Best deal i was able to find.

[bmmer7]

I've been told different amperage can mess up the sensors.
And Bosch is 120
Valeo is 90

[bmmer7]

Has anyone had bad luck with Autozone alternators?
I get a worn pulley sound which i think it might be from the new alternator I bought from autozone not too long ago
Idler pulley and tensioner pulley were recently replaced
Let me know your experience with autozone alternator
I took the belt off of it and spin it but seems fine.
Maybe only does that when is under tension with the belt on it?
It's like a sharp whistling noise
Fan clutch replaced as well
Thx everybody!

[edjack]

The '97 MY sales brochure calls out a 140A alternator for both the six and the V8. This may have changed in subsequent years.

[larrym3711]

Usually alternator bearings going south is a "whine" directly related to engine rpm. If this noise did not occur until you replaced the alternator, you may have a bad one. I have seen many rebuilt alternators that have this whine. Not sure why. I am can only assume the main bearing was not replaced or they used an inferior bearing.

larrym3711
2001 540iA Sport

[cnn]

Open the hood.
Use a flashlight and shine down there, the alternator brand/model number is right there.

[bmmer7]

Open the hood.
Use a flashlight and shine down there, the alternator brand/model number is right there.

I wonder why mine didn't have a sticker
And the "Bosch " one autozone sold me doesnt have a sticker either
I shouldn't have bought it from them even though it has lifetime warranty its annoying to do the job twice
Ill just replace it again and see if it makes the noise anymore

[bmac1996acc]

The first one i got From Advance had a bad bearing. I took it out of the box at the counter when I bought it. Spun it and could feel the roughness of the bearing. They ordered a new one for me. The bearings on it were smooth. I tried to get them to test it for me but they didn't have the correct plug but at the very least you can let them spin it. My alternator was water cooled though so maybe the plug is available for the air cooled. Mine was a reman by World Alternator. Never heard of them but it's been going fine for months.