No Subject

["Al Powell" <APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu>]

> >Just curious, but I have not had my alternator go out on me.  If/when 
> >it does go out, does it depend on what part goes out as to whether one 
> >can go to a shop and have them rebuilt?  The alternative is always to 
> >get a new/rebuilt one from one of the vendors on the list, but I recall 
> >someone recently talking about having a local alternator shop put new 
> >brush, bearing, or whatever in theirs for dirt cheap.  Was that you?
> >
> >Scott
> >89 200tqw
> >
> Scott,
>   I generally rebuild/repair my own alternators. The only problems I have
> had with alternators is brushes (many times) and the regulator (one time).
> Cost of brushes alone is about $6.00 and it usually takes me about 1/2 to 1
> hour to replace but requires soldering skills.  I have checked on prices to
> have an alternator repaired before, and it is generally much less expensive
> to go that route than to buy a remanufactured alternator. I would expect
> that a repair would be under $100.00 but haven't priced this service on a
> Bosch alternator.   The Bosch alternators that our beasts have use a
> regulator/brush assembly that can be replaced without disassembling the
> alternator. It attaches to the back of the alternator with two screws. The
> whole module costs about $30.00 if memory serves.
             Michael Loeks

Scott - more after Mike's good post - 

I think you're referring to my post.  I had bad bearings in my 
alternator and it only cost $36 to get it fixed.  Whenever possible, 
I take my alternators or starters to a good local biz for a rebuild 
rather than buying a rebuilt unit.  On the brushes - at 70K, I didn't 
even need them yet!  As Mike says, many units take a module with the 
brushes that comes out with two screws on the back of the alternator. 
The cover which ducts cool air across the alternator is a major PITA 
when it comes to gettting at these....but once theer, they're easy to 
replace. 

Al Powell                           Voice:  409/845-2807
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