The alternator on my accord did this for a couple days before it finally died. I replaced it with one from Murray's Discount Auto for $99, and it has lasted about 2 years so far. Mine, and probably other aftermarket alternators are Nippon Denso (OEM) alternators that have been rebuilt with (I'm sure) cheaper internal components, and lots of these are guaranteed forever from places like Autozone, Murray's, Pep Boys...
If it happened to me now I would probably rebuild the thing since I have more experience working on cars.
But changing alternators on a 3g accord can be a bitch!!!
It was one of the first things I ever replaced on a car, and it took me forever. I pulled my axle to get the thing out from underneath cuz it doesn't really fit coming out from above. But some people I know say that you can clear shit away around the right side of the car and pull it up from there so you don't have to pull your axle.
Pulling your axle can be a bitch if the thru-bolt that connexts the fork on your damper to the lower control arm is seized to the bushing -- common on old accords in cold-weather climates. You also have to be sure to seperate your ball joints (I usually do upper and tie rod end) when pulling your axle so you don't tear the boot. Don't use a pickle fork. 3g ball joints go bad real fast if they have a torn boot.
I don't know if I'd go with a junkyard alternator because they can seize after sitting around in inclement weather for a while. I saw it happen on a Civic.
So I'd probably go with a cheap aftermarket rebuild, rebuild it myself, or pay someone reliable to rebuild it.
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