The 'Hoover' noise could just be the cooling fan (it will run/start after you've turned off the ignition). Quite normal on most cars.

Battery light going on/off does suggest a charging problem,but not necessarily the alternator,could be a number of things,loose connection,bad earth etc. ?

But it could well be the alternator Bushes failing.

Some sc***yards will sell and fit these parts at a fraction of the new price.They can last for years if your lucky.Your mileage suggests your car is about 4 years old. You could find the replacement part from an accident damaged 'write off' vehicle.

Google for your area,if it is the alternator.

Good Luck.

Hi,

From what you describe it seems the advice you have been given is correct. The price for the alternator seems reasonable as does the replacement time. Alternators do whirr when the bearings are worn out.

Hope this helps

Robin the Technician

Alternators are prone to go on these as I have found out so I suspect it is that

Hi all

Hoping for some advice, My car has average mileage at 40K, and the other morning as i finished my journey I noticed a whirring sound coming from the engine all of a sudden, not loud, but constant and reminds me of a hoover! Anyway I thought nothing of it untill i used the car later the same day, after driving 20 yards the battery light came on (the whirring is still present) There is no loss of power, or any other fault to note. I took it straight to a local garage, and they checked the battery voltage, at 12. something, as i was in car revving it, i couldnt really hear the whole conversation the mechanical was having with his colleague, but he also tested the alternator using what looked like a metal probe attached to a stethoscope :-) I do not know the voltage. His diagnosis was that the alternator was going. £144 for a new one, plus 1 and a half hr labour. Its booked in next week but of course since then ive been doing the dreaded googling and worrying myself, Ive ashamedly been ripped off a few times before, and am pretty unlucky with cars. Any aternative advice, or reasurrance much appreciated on this topic. Could it be the battery? the belt? is the whirring linked to the alternater? Also the battery light comes on and off.

Hi there.

I know this is an old thread, but i have a 2.0L 2006 Ford Focus Zetec (46k), which has a very similar problem to the one you have described.

My car stalled just before the problems started and then the ignition light came on and I now have a high pitched humming noise from the engine. The car still seems to be driving fine, but i am worried it is going to suddenly stop working. I have booked the car into my local garage for them to look at.

I was just wondering how you resolved your issue.

Thanks