Alternator Problems

[OHMYX5]

Hi all, yesterday I was driving back home, I felt the Steering a little harder than it used to be, but I shrugged it off as nothing and proceeded to head home.

After an hour of driving and reaching my home, I turned off the stereo and I heard a whinning sound, not too loud, but audible.

As I reached my front gates, the idling became slightly erratic and than the engine died. I tried to start it and I was greeted with an almighty roar. Naturally, the engine started and switched itself off. I called my regular mechanic and he came over and inspected the car. He told me that my Alternator has siezed, and what I heard was the belt trying to turn the pulley and the alternator not giving way. Bearing sounds jammed. He said I would need to get a new alternator. This was a common thing in X5 he says, this will be his 3rd repair/replacement on it.

My question is, this Alternator is working perfectly, charging my battery well and all that is wrong with it, as far as I can tell, is that the bearing has jammed. Couldn't I just get this repaired? Is there a repair kit for this or will I have to take on the replacment path? Your valuable advice would help me save some much needed bucks.

My car is a 2001 4.4 X5. Thanks in advance all!