Alternator Bushes

[Kai]

Just wondering - since getting my baby back, the car isnt charging properly at all, and the dash warning light pops on all the time now. However, if you tap the alternator with a hammer and press down on it in a particular spot (the top bolt seam), then the voltmeter climbs back to around 14v. I've been told that this is the bushes, and that they've worn out (after 166,000 miles, wouldnt you? )

Can you replace just the bushes on their own, and if so, how much, where from and how?

If you cant get new bushes - how much is a reconditioned unit/exchange alternator?

Cheers and TIA

 

[DaSuprawolf]

yeah it sounds like bad brushes.
id call around and try some battery/alternator shops and ask about changing brushes. a reconditioned one runs about 100 dollars here in the states. i bought one from a member here when mine went bad for around 50, used of course. shipping might JUST alittle more for you.
good luck, -Brian

 

[Kai]

Well, i checked the TSRM and it says they're do-able, and if its just the brushed, it'd be a lot cheaper to do than replace the whole unit. I'm going to take it to an alternator and starter motor place tomorrow - see what they say. Of course, i could just get the $18 / £9.50 brush box from Toyota, but then...that would involve finding a dealer within a 100 mile radius of me :aigo:

 

[Asterix]

Yes, it's easy, if you know how to solder. However, when you get in there you'll probably notice that the slip rings are deeply grooved. New brushes will work for quite some time on grooved slip rings, but buying a rebuilt alternator gets you new slip rings and bearings. Save up the money over 6 months after putting in new brushes to get a rebuilt unit.

Asterix

 

[Kai]

Well, this has lasted long enough without such a small problem. I'll take the part number if you've got it (for the whole brush box), in case the auto electrician cant do it, they are, after all, used to Lucas and Bosch stuff

 

[jetjock]

No part number for the brush set/holder, only the bearings. It's an easy item to get though and any shop should have it. Same with a dealer.

Lol...Lucas, The Prince Of Darkness. I used to have a Lucas T shirt that depicted a switch on the front. It had two postions: Off and Flicker

 

[Kai]

No part number for the brush set/holder, only the bearings. It's an easy item to get though and any shop should have it. Same with a dealer.

Lol...Lucas, The Prince Of Darkness. I used to have a Lucas T shirt that depicted a switch on the front. It had two postions: Off and Flicker

Hrm - okies thanks anyway for looking - although does it matter that i'm 'Non-NATO'?

 

[Facime]

I've been told that this is the bushes, and that they've worn out (after 166,000 miles, wouldnt you? )

Can you replace just the bushes on their own, and if so, how much, where from and how?

If you cant get new bushes - how much is a reconditioned unit/exchange alternator?

Cheers and TIA

my bushes have never worn out, but I try to give them water every couple of days. and I trim them alot...I knnow how we all like trimmed bushes...:evil2:







sorry...I couldnt resist

 

[Kai]

Hehe - i somehow knew someone else was going to mention that

Got the Alternator off after much swearing and WD-40, will take a look at the bushes later on see if it definitely is them. Should apparrently cost me £60 to get it fixed.

 

[fiyota]

Hehe - i somehow knew someone else was going to mention that

Got the Alternator off after much swearing and WD-40, will take a look at the bushes later on see if it definitely is them. Should apparrently cost me £60 to get it fixed.

Would the alternator make a kind of scratchy sound after the car is started if it has bad bushes?

 

[Kai]

erm....doubt it - a lack of scratching maybe, seeing as bushes wear out.

Could be the pulley or even something alittle loose.....

In a few hours, mine goes to the menders....

 

[Kai]

Okay - my alternator came back from the menders today - apparrently, the brushes werent the only thing that was dead - according to the bloke who mended it, it needed a new armature as well - and looking through the slits in the back - the innards have definitely been replaced.

All in all, its cost me 105 euro's that i dont have - heres to hoping it doesnt go 'bang' again

 

[DaSuprawolf]

good luck! hope it was worth it.

 

[Kai]

Well, it does mean that the car is driveable once more....and thats always a good thing.