alternator is loud on start up

[legacy98gt]

ok so just recently my alternator is really loud for the first like 5 minutes, its not a squeal but some people said it sounded like a desiel, i think its the bearings or something, is there a way to fix it? or do i have to buy a new alternator? and if i do will one from a 93 2.2 fit my 98 2.5? i was just curious, i was going to spray some wd40 on it and just cover the belt up really good and see wat happens but thought i would ask first, thanks

[98outbackpdx]

there is a recall for the 1996-1998 model year legacys for the alternator. check with your subaru dealer to see if it has been performed. if not you get a free alternator. if you end up having to replace it your self, i have found that the subaru dealership is less expensive than the part stores when i had to do it to my bros 99 sus, napa was about $150 and the subaru dealership was about $80

[Grafton]

napa is always pricey, check out advance or auto zone, make them run it on their little tester to be sure your getting a good one, THEN make sure the stud for the wiring harness on the rear is not too big for your wires

[LunchBox04V]

When you say '96 to '98 do you mean model year, or actual production date. Mine is kinda noise too, and sometimes after about 3 hours of driving, voltage will drop to battery level.... (12-11v). Turn the car off and back on..... Back up to 14.1v... Sorry, didn't mean to thread-jack.

[Navi271]

My car had a faulty alternator where it literally exploded on interstate driving (it was dropped on the floor before installation), but that was over 14 years ago right after my family first got the car. Just had to replace my alternator again this past winter. It started whining about a half a year before it finally left me stranded. If you start seeing a drop in voltage below battery level and the battery light comes on then it's definitely on its way out quick! I don't think there's any way to fix it other than getting a new one, and yeah the dealer was pretty cheap, I think mine was $89 brand new.

I believe most of the alternators are about the same. The 93 2.2 should fit and work in a 98 2.5.

[LunchBox04V]

Oh, I know that beig below 14.1v is not good above 1100ish RPM. I have gotten my mileage out of it (170k), but if I can get a free one from the dealer, I will. Lol I was just wondering if my '99 (manufactured in '98) would be covered.... Trip to the dealer I am thinking.