I hear what sounds like an ugly bearing noise from the alternator area on my 2007 Camry with the 2.4 engine. I can't tell if its the alternator, water pump or pulley as I seen no common symptoms of any problems associated with these - No overheating, coolant leaking or lights dimming or any wobbling to guide me. Suggestions?
Thanks.

 

Use a length of hose as a stethoscope to narrow down the area of the noise.

 

Rule out a slipping belt. If there is black dust stuck to the alternator housing and other surfaces, it has slipped at least sometime in the past. These things scream like a banchee or squeal intermittently. I thought I had a bad bearing too but it was just a loose belt.