Can amateur replace alternator on 98 accord?

I have a 98 Honda Accord EX with 30,000 miles. A few weeks ago, my car
started to make a high-pitched whirring/whining noise. It seemed to be
coming from the area of the alternator to me, and my dealer confirmed
it. They claim the alternator is making the noise, and that my battery
failed a load test. They suggest replacing the alternator and the
battery--quoting me $425ish out the door.

A few questions:

1. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Is it possible to
really restrict the noise/problem down to the alternator?

2. How does $425 rank for a dealer replacement of the alternator and
battery? I am in Ogden, Utah, if that makes a difference.

3. If I take it somewhere else and they confirm it is the alternator,
can a mechanically inclined amateur replace the alternator?

Thanks!

 

First of all, if the alternator is messed up, of course the battery will
fail a load test since the alternator is not charging it up right. If the
alternator is really messed up, I would replace it and then do a load test
on the battery. I recommend a second check up with another mechanic just to
make sure. Don't mention what the first mechanic said. Just say there's
noise coming from under the hood and let them figure it out.

The belt could be defective so it's making the noise and might need to
replace it (about $20 value if not less). If the belt is fine, then an
alternator test has to be done. It could be some internal part that's gone
bad and is making the noise.

--Viktor

 

I just had the same symptoms on my 98 civic and got quoted £400 from Honda
for a new alternator.
I got them to check it again as I heard that the alternators very rarely
gives trouble.

It turned out that the alternator belt needed adjusting.
Cost me nothing.
I would get a second opinion.

 

If OP's alternator problem turns out to be a belt adjustment (which is
probable) I hope to hell he yells loud and clear to any one who will listen
including his state and town better business bureau and Attorney General-

 

if the alternator light isnt coming on, as far as the car is concerned their
is nothing wrong with the alternator. i would get the belt tension checked
for the noise problem. if you want u can even get some of that belt
silencer spray to see if the noise goes away after spraying the pulley
wheels. just remember, if the alt light isnt on dont replace any thing! if
in the future your alt does fail it is easy to replace your self normally,
i have a 87 accord and had to take an axle off and undo the ball joint and
tie rod end . i had it done by a mechanic last time and it was only 210
bucks with a alt i bought at an auto parts store. i assume they have to
remove your axle to do it or the price wouldnt be so high unless they want
to put in a brand new factory honda alt. if i were u i would buy a rebuilt
alt at strauss or pep boys and do it my self.