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Re: Mark Fischer & Ari - Info on Alternator problem Posted by Ari [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: Mark Fischer & Ari - Info on Alternator problem, Oldsaabguy, Sun, 2 May 2004 17:50:25 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
A quality rebuild involves installing a new VR and brushes. It's possible that the brushes weren't replaced during the rebuild by the folks that did your alternator.
45K is a little soon for brushes, but not out of the realm of reason. The average life for brushes is longer, but that's just that- an average. Some last longer, some die sooner. Maybe the commutator had a sharp edge and wore the brushes faster, or the alignment was slightly off. Or maybe it just was. I wouldn't sweat it. Things break.
Frankly, I expect an alternator to last the life of the car. That's the expectation - most make it, some fail sooner. I've never had a bearing or winding failure yet on an alternator (knock on burled walnut dash face). I've had one diode failure, so replacing the alternator was a good solution. Voltage regulators/brush packs are wear items, so I expect to replace them, just like thermostats, tires, and coolant. Most of the time simply replacing the VR/brushes does the job, and the alternator can stay.
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