Alternator life expectancy??
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 13
From: Saskatchewan
Alternator life expectancy??
Hello everybody, I just finished up changing my primary water pump, belt and pulleys. While I was in there I noticed the alternator would of been a lot easier to change while I had it all apart. Just wondering how much mileage everybody’s been getting out of them? I’m right around 240 000kms right now. Also what about the fan bracket bearings? They seemed ok but a bit dry to me. Thinking I should of just replaced the alternator and fan hub bracket at the same time and that way I would of only had to do it once. Thanks in advance
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
Mine failed last October around 100,000 miles. It would be easier to change with that stuff out but it's to expensive to proactively replace a good alternator in my opinion. If you are still curious, test it. Any new whining sounds that increase with RPM or unusual increased RPMs/engine load at idle?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 13
From: Saskatchewan
Mine failed last October around 100,000 miles. It would be easier to change with that stuff out but it's to expensive to proactively replace a good alternator in my opinion. If you are still curious, test it. Any new whining sounds that increase with RPM or unusual increased RPMs/engine load at idle?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 13
From: Saskatchewan
Thanks for the reply’s everybody I do appreciate it. Hopefully I get a few more responses from people who’ve had to replace them. I was hoping to get more hard numbers here and make my decision based on that. Thanks again
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: West Michigan
Sounds like you have already done the things I would do, belt for sure. I guess I'd also consider the radiator hoses as well? At least the larger upper/lower hoses for both sets of cooling systems.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 474
Likes: 45
From: Berryville, AR
I don't know about these alternators, but when I was younger, I replaced bearings, brushes and diodes in alternators. Usually, nothing else wears out. If the parts are available, I'd rebuild before buying.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 6
From: Alabama
However I suspect this repair is often made under duress, and they need to get back on the highway.
A direct exchange with one that's been pre-built offers a good compromise.
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 31,974
Likes: 9,199
From: Western NY
Or see if you can find a local automotive electrical shop that rebuilds them/upgrades alternators. There is a local guy here who I'd be more prone to use than buying a big box auto parts store rebuilt alternator. Ask me how I know. Good luck with your decision.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 474
Likes: 45
From: Berryville, AR
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,338
Likes: 255
From: Livermore Ca.
If it ain't broke don't fix it. If you keep good batteries in your truck and change them every 5 years than your alternator may never go bad. I have however seen the bearings go bad but if yours is not squeaking than leave it alone.
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 31,974
Likes: 9,199
From: Western NY
Every now and then you can find one. Many years ago, there was one I went to that specialized in alternator and starter repair/rebuilds and radiator repairs. They were very good and extremely reasonable. Unfortunately, they shut down when the guy retired. That's when I decided I could do my own rebuilds.
