Whining alternator

The whining noise from my alternator makes the engine at least twice as loud as it should be. It seems to work OK though. I assume the bearings are starting to go. Is there any way to quiet this thing down without dropping $125 for a rebuilt replacement?

You can search online and buy new bearings, but my best advice is to find a good used one. See if anybody in your chapter has one in a box under their bench.

Next would be to hit a pull it yourself salvage yard, followed by a search on Craigslist for a vehicle being parted out.