[s-cars] Re: Alternator Problems

[Peter]

Tom,

I will definitely change the alternator. Any advice on removal? It sure looks like I have to disconnect two of the power steering pump lines just to get the alt. out. Is there any concern with disconnected these lines, replacing the alternator, installing the PS lines and replacing the lost fluid?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

Peter S.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tom Feller 
  To: peter_schoettle at shaw.ca 
  Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 6:19 PM
  Subject: re: Alternator Problems


  Peter,



  I would stop trying to replace the voltage regulator. In the long run it just does not pay. I worked on VW/Audi/Porsche cars for over 20 years and I almost never saw a regulator replacement last more the year. The thing is that you likely have over 100k on the alternator and I am sure the rotor slip rings (what you call rollers) are deeply grooved. Mostly likely, you are breaking the brushing during the installation; it is quite tricky even with the alternator out of the car. I have never seen bearing bad enough to break the brushes but I have seen a lot that a very noisy. Which bring me back to my point you are very likely see bad bearings, bad diodes or an open rotor before very long. Just replace the alternator with a Bosch rebuilt and be done with it!



  BTW, you can just replace the brushes. More automotive electrical rebuilders carry them. It is a little tricky to get the wires out of the holder but with a little work it can be done. So if you do not want to give up on the regulator replacement idea just take the old one with the broken brushes and fix it rather than buy a new regulator.



  Gentlemen,



  I don't post here very often but I need some help please.



  I recently had to replace my voltage regulator because of battery light issues. The brushes where worm quite bad. I had to do a second replacement several weeks later because one of the brushes on the new voltage reg. brock. I assumed I installed it incorrectly and did not have the brushes riding the rollers properly. The brushes where also grooved badly.



  I replaced the Voltage reg again making my best attempt to install this thing correctly. Now I have the same problem again. Is it possible the rollers on the alternator are worn to much and it simply needs replacement?



  Thanks in advance for any advice.



  Peter S.