Am I getting ripped of on alternator rebuilds?

[rvaughn801]

I have been using a starter and alternator rebuilder in Kansas City, KS. They charge the same to rebuild as NAPA does. I always have them rebuild mine, so I have to make a trip to drop it off, and a trip to pick it up in a few days.



My gripe is, they seem to only fix what is broken at that time. So if it needs brushes, they put them in and leave the bearings (which have over 100k).



So I took my alternator in 18 months ago for brushes, and the bearings were so bad last week that the fan hit the housing. The same thing has happened on my Cummins starter (contacts, then brushes) and on my GM starter.



Do I have a legitimate beef? I feel like I should give them the benefit of the doubt, but the NAPA alternator is the same price, and has a lifetime warranty. At least I can get a freebie if they didn't totally rehab it the first time.

 

[1stgen4evr]

Are you getting ripped. Probably. Do you have a ligit beef. No not after the second time. I have an Uncle in the business and that is his method. Fix what is wrong. I have had to take it back (starter, alt, etc) more than once, He charges me the nephew price which is WAY less than NAPA, but even then I only use this on my stuff. If it is for anyone that I am doing a favor for, I get the (parts house) unit with the warranty. Also, you should get a core so that you can have a spare starter and alt. But if you are paying the same as NAPA, you ought to change.



James

 

[rvaughn801]

Maybe the belt is just too tight or something. The guys at NAPA all thought the rebuild shop is a rip off, but you have to take that with a grain of salt.