Alternator Rebuild Kit
 

Anybody got a source for a rebuild kit?

Depending on where you live, some electric motor companies can help you out. We have one here in Mid TN. Generally though, nobody makes parts, or sell parts to rebuild alternators, since most people will just buy a reman.

If you can live with no warranty then rebuild but I normally suggest spending some money and getting either a 1 year or life time warranty. IT REALLY IS WORTH IT IN THE LONG RUN!!!

autozone alternators burst into flames randomly

QFT

No way. And I thought exploding PDs were a thing to worry about. :117:

I know some places will even rebuild your alternator- and allow it to put put more amps. They also have warranty, iirc.

The reason I posted is because...

If the windings are good. Most alternators only need new bearings and brushes. ~$25 worth of parts. Therefore, there really is no need to spend $110 for a rebuilt. Not that I need the savings, but as a consumer, I am getting tired of being ripped-off by everybody. (Just look at all the overpriced and unneeded crap on TV.)

Unfotunately, I have seen MANY FC alternators with bad diodes.

I have even seem a bunch that are reman with a warranty that have bad diodes. Not sure what is up with that but this is most likely the #1 cause of our alternators having low voltage. Just my .02 on that.

Aren't they supposed to check alternator output before they leave factory though?

They do check output (or are supposed to). Never buy an alternator that doesn't no come with a Spec Sheet. Even if they are tested, it is only for a few seconds. Diodes got bad sometimes from the alternator being knocked around on its way to the stores.

Bad Diodes can lead to erratic charging patterns.

Bad diodes claimed my Subaru's alternator a few weeks ago. It would still charge enough to run the car, but my headlights and interior lights pulsed as I drove the road at night. Luckily the car needed some other work done as well, so it is parked in the garage while I am trying to find a cheap replacement.

Is that why my gauge points to 12.5V when the lights are on?

I knew it was something silly like that, i need to replace those.

mine does that as well, but increases in voltage as the engine rpm increase.

Bad diodes?

Sounds like it. If it doesn't charge at all, or has consistent low voltage, then the brushes are bad. When its all over the place, the diodes are generally bad.

0110-M-P- What year, make, model Subaru?

The only reason I am rebuilding my alt is because I am rebuilding all of the systems I can. It has operated without flaw for 20 years. I do however think the power output is a little low.

Correction... Though it is the same alt, I did have it rebuilt in 1992.