Bad alternator bearing

[Cranky]

My alternator is making a lot of noise. It sounds like a bearing is going bad. This is on a 2013 Caterham R300 with a Duratec engine. What's the best course of action? Replace the alternator or open it up and replace the bearing? Can I buy an alternator in the US or do I need to order one from Caterham?

[scannon]

Get the brand and part number off your alternator and google it and see if replacements or parts are available in the US. If you can buy bearings it will be far cheaper than buying a new alternator assuming the bearings aren't so bad that the rotor has been grinding on the stator. You should also replace the brushes and sand the slip rings they ride on while you are in there.

 

There's probably even a youtube video on how to overhaul it.