Confused about Alternators
 

I see some re manufactured ones online at 115 130 AMP.

How do I determine which one is right for my vehicle?

Any ideas or does it matter.

Thanks,

Jesse

right alternator
 

Generally bargain alternators give you what you pay for and Rated Amperes does not equal a quality rebuild. I suggest sourcing a good local rebuilder if possible and getting a printout as to RPM, Load, and voltage, all the technical stuff that rebuilders love to talk about.

Right for your vehicle? The one that is in there of course.

Make and model? What is wrong with your current ALt?

86, 944 - base. It is making a strange squealing noise on starts.

Anybody have any good advice on getting the right new alternator?

+1 on finding a local rebuilder to fix the problem. You will most likely get a much higher quality job done a a much lower price.

A strange squeal on starts is probably your belt. Is it charging like it should?

belt squeal?
 

Have you checked the belt tightness and/or replaced the old belt?
Checked grounds and connections?

For sourcing new you can try our esteemed hosts. I find that most chain stores are a hit or miss proposition. It is essentially a Bosch unit. rebuilding it is not such a big deal. If you tell them it is a Porsche they will charge you more so tell them it is a Audi a-100.

Squealing, if it isn't a belt could be bearings. Belts only last so long so it is a good idea to just go ahead and grab a new one just to go for easy fix. Especially if it is a squeal at startup. The banjo bolt tensioning setup can be a little odd to get used to, clean and lube it all, replace the belt, set proper tension and go from there.

If it squeals on start, it sounds like a belt.

I took mine over to Hutchinson's Auto Electrics on 78th street just south of Hwy 60, right over the bridge on the west side in Tampa. Got it back the next day, new bearings, cleaned and re-varnished with a new voltage regulator for $78 dollars. No problems, works great and puts out 118 amps.

I could not source one for that price anywhere I looked. Hope this helps.

I bought mine from my local Advance Auto with a life time warranty. Replaced it once already with a freeby. SHHHH it was my fault!!!!

I've found with most alternators, including this bosch, that you're generally better off to just rebuild it yourself. Generally you can just put in new brushes or replace the whole voltage regulator/brush assembly. Maybe new bearings if needed (or just grease the old bearings). Also do some cleanup and you're good to go. This applies for an alternator with 80 to 130,000 miles. If it's got real high mileage you may be better of getting a quality new unit.

Note - have the alternate professionally tested before beginning. You may need new diodes also.

Ok.. so that we newbs can learn, let's hear what happened mate ("your fault").. SmileWavy


The quality re-build for $78 posted above is quite a deal vs. Advance Auto's:
- Rebuilt "Tough One" Brand 115amp for $123
- Rebuilt Bosch Brand 115 amp for $253
(Both prices are exclusive of core)

I realize that many FLAPS offer "Lifetime Replacement Warranty" with another rebuild.

1. How many miles/months have you put onto your Advance Alt?
2. Which one did you get? Bosch or "Tough One"?
TIA

Any "rebuilt" alternator you get online is just going to be something that was torn down, thrown in several parts bins containing identical parts, cleaned, minor reworking as required, painted, assembled with good used parts and the cheapest available new parts. It may carry a lifetime replacement but do you really want to replace it twice because that chineese bearing they used tore up or the slip rings weren't cut right?

I don't know about where you are but out in CO we have a great rebuilder (vanetta auto electric) who will do everything from just replace one bearing to completely restore your unit at very reasonable prices with German or American parts not some junk.

If you only have one problem having it rebuilt or just fixed a local is definitely the best option. I Fuched up my alternator on my BMW so I got one of the auto parts store rebuilt alternators because it just wasn't that rebuild able (still got my core back). It worked fine. A friend and I put an auto parts store rebuilt starter in his 68 bug. It had the same problem as the one we took out! I took it in the the local rebuilder and a little machine work later it worked great.

Ymmw

sage advice
 

I got a core from a junkyard and had a pro rebuild it. There was nothing wrong with the original alternator. I just didn't like taking chances with an unknown quantity and so swapped it out with something I won't have to worry about.

Pulled mine and had a pro rebuild, it was about 80 to 90 bucks IIRC.