replace or rebuild alt
replace or rebuild alt
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
But a rebuilt alternator gets new bearings. It is more reliable to get a rebuilt or new alternator. Either way you have to unbolt the alternator. I would rather not hve to do it again. I have had problems with the bearings seizing up.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by khantyranitar
It is more reliable to get a rebuilt or new alternator.
I have had problems with the bearings seizing up.
I have had problems with the bearings seizing up.
Yes and no. There are some very, very POOR rebuilt alternators (and starters, steering pumps, water pumps, etc.) out there, especially the "lifetime warranty" jobs from the national chains. And, there are some good ones too. A lot of rebuilders now use cheap Chinese bearings that will haunt you later, or maybe in the case of an alternator, sooner.
If you decide to rebuild it yourself, make sure the rings are not wore down from the brushes. Worn out rings will wear the brushes out real soon or even break them.
If I have to buy a rebuilt alternator or starter, I have a brand that I swear by, I'm just not going to use this forum to promote it.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 996
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One can not predict the life of bearings and other hard parts. Put in the 6.00 parts and enjoy. This has always been my policy and I am happy with it. Last 2 alternators came from rebuilder with bad diodes. If it neeeds brushes, install brushes. No need to replace rod bearings too. Fix what is broken.
Ken
Ken
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
You can also find a local alternator and generator shop and have them perform a rebuild, they take pride in their work. I had a starter on my truck done this way, and it has held up very well.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
From: Kiev, Ukraine
Yes and no. There are some very, very POOR rebuilt alternators (and starters, steering pumps, water pumps, etc.) out there, especially the "lifetime warranty" jobs from the national chains. And, there are some good ones too. A lot of rebuilders now use cheap Chinese bearings that will haunt you later, or maybe in the case of an alternator, sooner.
Yep... That's why I use to rebuild Alternators ore Starters by myself and I use bearings of GKN, SKF ore Russian... Electric parts - Bosch.... But sometimes it is cheapper to replace all the unit.
My granfother during every alternator rebuild used to wash bearings in gas and to boil them in greese! He said, that this is the perfect way to lubricate and cleane them well...
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
hi pablo,
wrenching/mechanics must run in the family, your grandfather boiling bearing grease and dipping bearings....same technique used to be done here
my grandfather was also self taught mechanic....had to be....poor logger farmer with cars, trucks, tractors, combines and kids to feed
engine accessory rebuild parts are almost unavailable at most auto "parts" stores here....most do not want to go to industrial bearing house or commercial truck alternator/electrical rebuilder for auto alternator parts
most alternator bearings now are sealed pregreased units...failure mode is seal fails, dirt and dust go in, grease gums up and fails, bearing surfaces fail, bearing howls and locks up
never boil gasoline or diesel....tests the Big Bang theory
wrenching/mechanics must run in the family, your grandfather boiling bearing grease and dipping bearings....same technique used to be done here
my grandfather was also self taught mechanic....had to be....poor logger farmer with cars, trucks, tractors, combines and kids to feed
engine accessory rebuild parts are almost unavailable at most auto "parts" stores here....most do not want to go to industrial bearing house or commercial truck alternator/electrical rebuilder for auto alternator parts
most alternator bearings now are sealed pregreased units...failure mode is seal fails, dirt and dust go in, grease gums up and fails, bearing surfaces fail, bearing howls and locks up
never boil gasoline or diesel....tests the Big Bang theory
Last edited by 96_4wdr; Oct 23, 2006 at 02:27 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
From: Kiev, Ukraine
Gee.... Nice way... My friend from Siberian Tundra replaces tires with gas... He puts some gas inside the tire, drops a match inside.... Bang!!!! infates the tire... 0.5-1 BAR only... but he can drive!