Just to clarify, are you sure this is the alternator bearing?  Is this noise always present, or just when starting?  I have found that when the alternator belt is loose, that it will scream horribly until the rpm gets up and the alternator is fully engaged.  Loosen and re tighten the belt tension as per the manual and see if the noise goes away.  It is also a good time to check the belts, and if there are any cracks, replace with new belts.

If you change the belt, you will most likely have to re tighten in a few weeks, as the belt will stretch a bit with use as it "finds it's groove".

Cheers!
Stuart
86 Vanagon GL camper

Sent from my electronic umbilicus

On 2013-06-03, at 12:35 AM, Todd Last <Rubatoguy@COMCAST.NET> wrote:

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