How do you refurbish an alternator?

Step 1: Before You Start, Purchase the Right Kit for Your Alternator.
Step 2: Safety First, Disconnect the Car Battery.
Step 3: Remove the Alternator.
Step 4: Remove the Rear Cover on the Alternator.
Step 5: Remove Old Regulator and Brushes, Fit New Kit.
Step 6: Refit Rear Plastic Cover.
Step 7: Refit the Alternator.

Simply so, can you rebuild an alternator?

If you know how to rebuild it, look for the rebuild kit in your local auto parts store or go on car-parts.com. Remove one of the battery terminals, if the car turns off, most likely it's the alternator. If you can drive it, go to the mechanic or auto parts store, they will most likely check it for free.

Additionally, is it worth rebuilding an alternator? This option can be the least expensive for the vehicle owner depending on the cost of the parts that need replacement. Only replacing a part or two in an alternator that has already failed may be no more than a temporary fix. Rebuilding an alternator is a more involved process.

Considering this, what does it cost to rebuild an alternator?

Waits says the average price to replace an alternator with a remanufactured one is $400, while Gunning adds that a remanufactured alternator on a typical, domestic car, costs about $300 to $500, including parts and labor. The price of a new alternator can run from $500 to $1,000.

How long does it take to rebuild an alternator?

one to two hours

24 Related Question Answers Found

What causes an alternator to fail?

Bad diodes are a common cause of alternator failure. The diodes are part of the rectifier assembly that converts the alternator's AC output to DC. A leaky diode also can allow current to drain out of the battery through the alternator when the vehicle is not being driven.

How do you clean an alternator without removing it?

How to clean your alternators.

Do not use petroleum based engine degreasers to clean the alternator.
Do not use compressed air or a pressure washer to clean the alternator.
Do not spray a cleaning agent or degreaser directly into any air inlet openings on the alternator.

Can you replace the diodes on an alternator?

It is possible to replace all the parts of the alternator, including the diodes in the rectifier plate. The only sure dead of an alternator is a breakage of the case.

Can you drive with a bad alternator?

When an alternator is going bad, the battery drains quickly. If the alternator is going or has gone bad, in most cases the vehicle can be driven for a short distance and for a short period of time, allowing you to make it to a service station or automotive parts store for a replacement alternator.

How do you troubleshoot an alternator?

If any of these symptoms are evident, then follow these five steps to pinpoint the issue:

Perform a visual inspection under the hood. Look at the belt tension andcondition.
Visually inspect and test the batteries.
Measure system voltage.
Test alternator output.
Troubleshoot using the service manual.

Is it better to rebuild or replace an alternator?

New: A new starter or alternator provides you with a working system where all parts are at the same stage of wear and tear, but it's often the most expensive option. A rebuilt system won't have all its parts at the same state of wear and tear, but it's an affordable alternative to buying a new alternator or starter.

Should I buy a new or rebuilt alternator?

Rebuilt alternators can be up to 25 percent cheaper than buying a new alternator. One problem is that good quality in a rebuilt alternator means more money---the cheaper the rebuild, the more likely that the alternator will break again. As a result, it might be more cost-effective to simply purchase a new alternator.

Is alternator a big job?

alternator recharges your battery so it doesn't go flat and generally just powers the electrical system while the engine is running. it's got a pulley which the aux belt goes around . it's not really a big job to replace them as it's a couple of bolts , one on the bottom and one on the top.

What are the symptoms of a bad alternator?

6 Symptoms of a Failing Alternator

The indicator light.
Headlights are dim or flickering.
Other electrical failures.
Strange noises.
Car stalls or has difficulty starting.
Battery dies.

Can you just start a car with a bad alternator?

Yes, you can jump start a car with a bad alternator. Anytime you jump start a car you are charging the battery as well. Also, the battery is rarely completely dead, just too dead to crank the engine, but it probably still has enough power to run the engine once it is started.

How do you fix an alternator that is not charging the battery?

Tap the alternator carefully with a hammer while the engine is running, if the charging goes back to normal, the coals inside of it are worn out. Check the large power cable to the alternator and the fuse, usually a large 40-60 amp fuse located near the battery. Check the ground cable between the engine and the body.

Do you have to replace battery when replacing alternator?

It is seldom required to change the alternator when you change the battery. If you can start the car, drive it to the nearest auto parts store, and have them check the battery. If the battery is bad, change it. If it's not bad, then there is another different problem which MIGHT just be the alternator.

What is a good alternator brand?

Replacement Alternator Information. Choose from top brands including: Pure Energy, Bosch, Remy, Denso, Replacement, TYC, WAI Global, AC Delco, Valeo, API, SKP, Powermaster, Auto 7 and Motorcraft. Car electrical systems have become more and more complex over the years.

How can I test my alternator?

To check an alternator, pop your vehicle's hood and hook up a voltmeter to the car's battery by connecting the red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. Make sure the voltmeter reads at least 12.2 volts, then start your car and rev the engine to 2,000 RPM.

What is alternator used for?

Alternators are used in modern automobiles to charge the battery and to power the electrical system when its engine is running. Until the 1960s, automobiles used DC dynamo generators with commutators. With the availability of affordable silicon diode rectifiers, alternators were used instead.

How do I know if my alternator has a bad diode?

Usually, a bad alternator diode will cause your headlights or instrument panel lights to flicker or dim and, sometimes, drain battery power overnight, or in minutes. * To check for a possible bad alternator diode, switch your voltmeter to a low setting on the AC (alternating current) voltage scale.

How do you tell the difference between a bad battery and a bad alternator?

Signs of a Bad Alternator

If your car starts but stalls when you're underway, your battery is probably not being recharged due to a faulty alternator. A squealing sound coming from the engine that gets louder when drains like the heater or sound system are on may be your alternator bearings.