A whineing noise has developed from the direction of where the alternator is and some bloke who has built a few engines in his time said it sounded as if the alternoters bushes were wearing out and that eventually when they come off completely i would then see the red light come on the dash!

Does his thery sound right as it is definately not the belt sliping and the noise is starting to iritate even though its not loud, you can hear it as you drive along.

 

does it get get louder under load or when you rev the engine as may be the bearings in the alternator

 

Brushes do not make noise, bearings(as said) do though, some make a ringing sound when first started, but they generally last for years after this noise starts as well.
Recon alts are not dear though, DIY might be tempting but the bearings can be a pain to get out without cracking housing, and for the price a COMMERCIAL place won't be so dear.
tabetha