Needing a new alternator

[STEVEBROOKS]

After 20 years and 200,000 miles, I believe I'm coming up soon on needing to replace the alternator. Initially, I'm thinking of going with my standard supplier which is Advance Auto Parts. I see where they offer both "Carquest Premium remanufactured 136 amp" and "Bosch remanufactured 132 amp" models.

What positive or negative experience does anybody have with these offerings? If not Advance, what other supplier would you recommend going with?

Thanks in advance for the replies,

Steve

 

[petersonj]

Your truck comes with a Denso or a Bosch alternator. They are excellent alternators. Keep the one you have and take it to an automotive electrical repair shop. If you are handy, you can purchase a brush and bearing kit and do the repairs yourself.

I have a Bosch alternator and I did the kit at 216,000 miles. I currently am at 372,000 miles with the original alternator. Still using original diodes.

- John

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Thanks for the quick reply, John. I do in fact have the brush/bearing kit, but as (un)luck would have it I've got to go out of town quickly and don't have time to do that work. I'll have to replace the alternator, do the repair, and keep it as a spare.

So, what positive or negative experience does anybody have with Advance's offerings? If not Advance, what other supplier would you recommend going with?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[GCroyle]

On my 2005 alternator I looked into brushes, easy enough but the slip ring was kaput. Bigger mess. It can be done but parts, time and need it running I put a reman on.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Hi Gary,

What brand of reman did you put on? Has it worked out well for you?

Steve

 

[GCroyle]

Steve,

I can't believe it but I found the paperwork for mine. This is for my 2005.

O'Reilly reman Ultima R111236B installed March 2020 at that time it was $150 plus core currently $190.

It came with a test report looks like it was rated at 136A but on test they recorded 152A

And my spider (not proven yet) senses think it came from BBB Industries. The test report has the same part number as they list in this lookup. https://www.bbbind.com/bbb-automotive-catalog and this is a just for grins I was in the audience in Dallas when they got their supplier award from ORL https://www.bbbind.com/file/general...Reilly_Auto_Parts_Sales_and_Service_Award.pdf

Not employed by ORL, BBB or any aftermarket company, just a fellow Dodge CTD guy.

Gary

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Thanks Gary! I see where, maybe, O'Reilly offers a new Bosch 132 amp for $252.00, but it has to be ordered in. When I put my truck into their search function, their reman one is a R111236B, but they also show your R111236A as fitting mine...

Steve

 

[Topzide]

Rebuild that original unit! Rock Auto has a BBB Ind new unit for $175!
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinf...zBJXc8nqaApYeQx7ypn3PC1zT2mou9lpjfuJQNw+KSBhK

 

[GCroyle]

Just for info, post 12 here is a pic of my slip rings at 210K that made rebuilding for me more of a project than I wanted to tackle. I did find a good YT that showed how to R&R slip rings. If you can find one easily.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/fluctuating-voltage.270596/#post-2664024

 

[AH64ID]

Get it rebuilt.

If the rebuild shop isn’t busy they can probably get it back to you by lunch if you drop it off at opening.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Still TBD, but probably gonna just replace the alternator and then rebuild the original myself as time permits. Asking ahead of time to get out in front of it: can anyone provide a procedure for replacing the slip rings?

Steve

 

[BigPapa]

As others have said, if you have a shop that rebuilds alternators and starters, they normally will rebuild it for less than my labor and time is worth and same day. It will be a much better alternator than anything you’ll buy.

Our local shop is a DelcoRemy dealer, so I looked for one close to you. The closest one is Marine Auto Truck Electric in Lubbock. EVERYTHING is so far away out there. I think I’d like not so many people, but I wouldn’t like being so far away from everything.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Yes sir indeed, we are "somewhat" remote here (110 miles to the closest city of any size). Clovis ain't at the end of the earth, but 'ya can see it from here. This is why I've asked for the slip ring replacement info, 'cause I try to do as much as I can myself since I rarely get over to either Lubbock or Amarillo.

Steve

 

[petersonj]

@SJBrooks , from what I understand, your alternator is currently performing well. Since you have a brush and bearing kit, just take it with you for an emergency repair on the road. If your alternator runs fine (which it probably will), then install the brush and bearing kit when you get back.

- John

 

[Darkbloodmon]

I see where they offer both "Carquest Premium remanufactured 136 amp" and "Bosch remanufactured 132 amp" models.

I worked for Advanced auto for a time, No one who worked for Advanced Auto at least in my store ever used any reman electrical components. They dud out the box, come back for warranty out all the time. If its' not new from a corner store, go online for a better selection.

I bought a TYC new unit from RockAuto. I've used TYC products and components across a variety of vehicles from alternators, starters, headlight housings, etc. No issues. Good quality control.

Buy new or rebuild would be my advise.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Good advice given here, so appreciate the replies from all. Since I'll definitely be rebuilding the original, I'll only do it as fully as possible, so still need slip rings replacement procedure or a link to such...

Steve

 

[Ozymandias]

Depending on what you are using the truck for - now would be the time for an upgrade. Units of up to 370A are available, Made in the US.

 

[Topzide]

@SJBrooks, Found this video on slip ring replacement. In you have a bench vise and a hand full of basic tools, appears to be fairly straight forward repair. Get something to go on the truck, rebuild, reinstall and put temp alternator on the shelf for when needed or pass on to somebody who needs to do the same.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Thanks Topzide, but there was no link attached...

Steve

 

[Topzide]

@SJBrooks, Sorry about that, here it is: