Can Tacoma alternator bearings be lubed?

Is there a nipple to do so or would it have to come out? I’m trying to pinpoint an intermittent grinding sound. It’s really hard to as the sound comes from the general engine compartment area.

 

Bearings have to be removed from the alternator. There is no zerk fitting or means to lube it as the bearing has pressed metal sides. If this were on the 2 or 3rz, alternator removal is not easy.

I'm hunting down a noise myself, but hadn't time to troubleshoot. You may loosen one belt at a time to determine which system is making noise. Good luck

 

I’ll replace the belts along with the AC idler pulley. My belts need changing anyways as a prudent measure. If the intermittent grinding noise continues, I’ll move on to other possible causes. Sorry to say, I don’t have the luxury of doing all kinds of DIY procedures. Those days are long gone.

 

With the belt off you’ll be able to give the pulley a good spin and hopefully confirm if that is your issue. Alternator replacement, if necessary, is pretty easy and can be done without removing the other belts, should you need to do it another time.

 

Also, at this age, there are replaceable idler pulleys with the AC and power steering belts. I just swapped out my 23 year old pulleys.