Alternator. How long does it last?

[StLouisMO]

Hey guys. Just wanted to see how many miles you got out of your stock alternator before it had to be replaced.

 

[JFlagg]

I'm still on my stock alternator, about 118K so far on my 2002.

 

[GaryOwen]

250k and counting on my 03. Replaced 95 at 230k.



Gary

 

[BigPapa]

Mine went out yesterday. 270K. Took it to a place here in Nashville that rebuilds alternators and starters. They took it apart and cleaned it and installed new brushes. $40 worth. She's back to 14V's again.



Scott

 

[jelag]

You might consider new bearing when its apart for brushes... . we have 240K miles and counting on our 04... . its my guess that this winter when its slow we'll pull it down and replace the brushes and bearings..... we've had to do this 2x's in the F550 we have with 475 K...

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The switch to an alternator, and solid state voltage regulation has really helped our electrical systems. Gone are the generator armatures with their multi-segment commutators that wore out brushes rather regularly.



The modern alternator brushes run on a relatively smooth surfaced point of contact - and as long as the bearings stay together, very wide spread maintenance or replacement is needed.



My '91 alternator was still going strong at 120K miles when I sold it after buying the current '02. And yeah - probably a good idea to replace both the bearings and brushes whenever the alternator DOES need to be opened up...