Altenator bearings / replace?

[Oldschooler]

How hardis it to replace the altenator bearings on a 1G B6? Mine are very noisy and even a little clunky. I'd replace them but don't know how involved it is.
Anybody done this before?

[Jacknife]

Hmm, nothing in the Haynes manual about replacing the bearings, sound like it could be the whole altenator for replacing. Anybody else know any differant?

[Red01]

I haven't torn into my Bandit's alternator, but I have had it out. Other than having an O-ring seal where it fits into the gearbox and a drive gear instead of a pulley, it appears to be constructed like an automotive alternator. It should just be a matter of unbolting the alternator's case halves (and mayby pulling the drive gear - the 1G B6 alt is different than my 2G B12, so I don't know for sure) to get it apart to get to the bearings. You can buy the bearings from Suzuki (Ron Ayers is showing $15.66 for 31612-06B00  & $18.13 for 31612-48B00 - the two bearings for a 1G B6's alternator), but once you have it apart, get the bearing make and numbers off the bearing and go down to a bearing supply store. They'll probably be much cheaper there.

[Daytona]

How many miles and what led you to think it was the bearings? Sound, vibration !!

[Oldschooler]

17,000 miles, well when I got it anway, now it's 17,700. But when it warms up it makes somewhat of a metalic clinking sound and somewhat of a clunking sound as well. It all comes from it. It almost sounds like two loose metals gears with a loosely messing teeth clining together and making the noises. But again it comes right from the right hand altenator cover. I guess right where the gear is? But it doesn't seem to efffect the way the bike runs or charges.
I'm guessing the bearing are bad and causing the noise.

[Daytona]

17,000 miles, well when I got it anway, now it's 17,700. But when it warms up it makes somewhat of a metalic clinking sound and somewhat of a clunking sound as well. It all comes from it. It almost sounds like two loose metals gears with a loosely messing teeth clining together and making the noises. But again it comes right from the right hand altenator cover. I guess right where the gear is? But it doesn't seem to efffect the way the bike runs or charges.
I'm guessing the bearing are bad and causing the noise.

 Hello Oldschooler. Thanks for your time and answer. I am very curious about this! and concerned about bearings coming apart or seizing up with that drive being inside the case. I've picked up on a slight whine @ low rpm's, but i have over 32k on the old girl. I for one, will be very interested on the outcome, as it or if it goes to any other level. Side force on ball bearings will make em whine but the vibration thing!! Too bad its not under warranty. Not a hard task to pull the ALT it seems. Be a good thing to just be able to free wheel it in your hand to make sure they aren't about to stop turning.   (( whew thats a relief  )))  yep just one of those things.    

[Oldschooler]

I pulled it and inspected it, it was fine. Gear showed almost no wear at all. No signs of improper alignment. Bearings seem great also.

I then made a visual inspection of the drive gears thru the alternator opening. From my limited viewing position they seemed just fine also. I'm guessing this is just gonna be one of those strange quirks that will make my bike, well... My Bike!