Sister in laws 2011 camry has a noisy alternator. Sounded like power steering pump till i got the stethoscope out and it didn't change with wheels, just electrical load.
Time to get a replacement.
What ones arent crap? Seems like every one ive bought lately has been hot garbage.
Yep. They all seem to be hot garbage.
However, I have had the best luck with new Napa units.
I see Denso and Bosch remans on Rockauto, I might be inclined to take a chance with those.
Is it worth it to pony up for OE from the dealer? I don't know the price difference, but I do know I hate doing the same job over and over because of failed parts.
Is there a local shop that rebuilds them?
I put a cheapo in my truck. Fine at first then the regulator freaked out and was sending 18+ volts out. Killed my battery and had to buy another alternator which has been ok. Put a different cheapo in my pathfinder and it seems to be over-charging at times. Saw it flash up close to 16v and has started cooking my new battery. I got a new regulator to try and swap in.