Failing Alternator? Fuel Pump Question...

[fryguy]

Ever since I picked up my Expedition I’ve been hearing a very noticeable wine, sounds like it’s coming from the alternator. I cleaned up the battery terminals a couple weeks ago, and that seemed to make things a little better. It seems like it’s getting louder. I drive relatively long trips with it, so I am concerned about being stranded with a dead alternator.

The whine is defiantly louder when running at night when everything is on (Headlights, Fog lights, front and rear heat). It’s really bad until it gets warmed up good. I realize it’s normal for some noise, but this is getting louder.

Anyone have these symptoms? If so what did you do to fix it?

Also I am wondering what the average life expectancy is out of the fuel pumps on these. Mine has about 278,000 miles and still running on the original fuel pump. I’m considering replacing it before I get stranded with it. Or am I being paranoid?

 

[docraymund]

The noise you are hearing may be due to worn bearings from: alternator or air con compressor -which necessitates servicing or replacement. It could also be due to low power steering fluid level. Use a length of garden hose and point it near the alternator see if the noise gets louder. Same procedure for the a/c compressor.

 

[docraymund]

For the fuel pump you need to have a fuel pressure gauge to check if the pressure is still within normal. No sense in changing the pump if its still ok. You can replace the fuel filter instead.

 

[stamp11127]

Granted I usually take the idea of "if it isn't broke don't fix it" but consider this with the fuel pump. In trucking everything is based on 50 miles traveled each hour. With an original pump with 278000 miles on it, that pump has be running for 5,560 hours give or take. So to quote Dirty Harry - do you fell lucky today?
Plus where you are located if the pump quits in winter you are without heat. I would change it and get a good brand not a "one hung low" special.

 

[fryguy]

Fuel Pump

What brand do you recommend? I was looking at a BOSCH complete assembly, it was about $300.

I've heard AIRTEX is garbage.

 

[fryguy]

Oh, and today I noticed the wine is also coming through in the radio when it's turned on, more of a dull buzz that changes with the engine speed. The alternator that's in my truck has about 140,000 miles on it and it's about 6 years old from what I could make out of the receipts I have. Thinking I will buy one and keep it in the truck. Since they are somewhat easy to change. I generally have tools with me.

 

[stamp11127]

Bosch is a leading manufacture of many products so you will not have an issue with theirs.

I've only been changing the pump and strainers on mine, the fuel sending units haven't been acting up. The last few pumps I've bought for various vehicles have been Denso, I believe.