Alternator Rebuild Kit

Mastercraft · May 7, 2015

I noticed on another thread an alternator failure mentioned. Are there kits available so if one was so inclined they could do a roadside rebuild?

A kit with new brushes and springs, new voltage regulator, new diodes, new front and rear bearings.

If the windings aren't burned up or shorted, a roadside rebuild would not be a problem.

If a kit like this can be had or collected, I could see carrying one to avoid a high irritation situation.

With cars and light trucks, I go to the Checker/Orielly/Napa/etc and they push the lifetime warranty re-build unit for $200+ and claim they don't have any rebuild parts.......unit I have them pull out the paper catalog and check.....sure enough, brushes $8, rear bearing $6, front bearing $12, voltage regulator, $12 ....and oh, here is a whole kit with everything except the rear bearing for $20. Order the stuff and it's there in like two days. Maybe 1/2hr of 45 minutes on the bench to install the parts, no special tools except a couple tooth picks to hold the brushes while I mate up the front and rear case.

thanks

Rich

GeorgiaHybrid · May 7, 2015

_Rich,

_{A lot of the diodes are a press fit into the case and are usually suspect on a bad alternator. Other than that, you could rebuild one on the side of the road if need be.}

spindrift · May 7, 2015

I'm not aware of an off the shelf rebuild kit that would provide everything you need for a complete rebuild...if you're talking about a 39MT. Solenoids alone are over $80, I think. You can try these folks:

http://www.nationsstarteralternator.com/39MT-HEAVY-DUTY-TRUCK-STARTERS-s/432.htm

Alie&Jim's Carrilite · May 8, 2015

I'm one of the recent alternator replacements. Ours is a unique situation though, in that it was tied to another DC current generator system that had a stand alone regulator. The system was called Ample Power and there are rebuild kits available for the truck engine alternator, but I still needed to find a regulator that the Volvo electrical system liked. It was easier to install a new Delco-Remey like the truck was originally spec'd with.

AllenF · May 8, 2015

I rebuilt my alternator mainly because the bearing was going bad. An alternator for mine was $350-400 so I decided to rebuild it myself. $25 for the bearings and brushes and it was done in an hour or so. I needed to press the bearing in and out though so I doubt you could do it on the side of the road.

jkennell · May 8, 2015

You need to find your local "AC Delco" or "auto electric" repair place. I have a little hole-in-the-wall place near me that I think carries every alternator and starter part ever made and can hand most of them to you without looking them up! Rebuilding an alternator (unless there is a major failure) is actually pretty easy and cheap.

Jack Mayer · May 8, 2015

I'm one of the recent alternator replacements. Ours is a unique situation though, in that it was tied to another DC current generator system that had a stand alone regulator. The system was called Ample Power .......

Ample Power offers lots of choices in this arena. I've used their products for many years - probably going back into the 90's. If you are looking for a very good power augmentation system take a look at their products. They also have a lot of educational stuff on their website.

It is pretty common for work trucks, ambulances, some police vehicles, etc to generate power from their alternators. Note the plural. But this is not just an alternator alone - there ALWAYS has to be additional products to do it right. It is not cheap to do it right....but it works well when done.

Jimalberta · May 8, 2015

I too have rebuilt alternators and it is surprisingly inexpensive. I'm thinking that some spare parts for my DP might be a good idea....thanks for the thought.

SunJuniper · May 9, 2015

while rebuilding alternators doesnt bother me , *I* would rather NOT do it on the side of the road...

i carry a spare alternator in my spare parts toolbox of parts on the truck.

Leece-Neville on the truck , the same in the box of spare parts.

beyerjf · May 9, 2015

Call me strange, but new, not rebuilt or reman goes on my tractor. Alternators usually give plenty of warning before they die, at least on HD trucks. 500 -600k miles and a new one goes on, last one was $450 new Delco 160 amp pad mount.

No one in this business should use a business model that includes a "roadside demonstration" for anything. Unscheduled maintenance, or what I refer to as setting a trap for yourself to spring at the least opportune moment is to be avoided.

Jack Mayer · May 9, 2015

No one in this business should use a business model that includes a "roadside demonstration" for anything. Unscheduled maintenance, or what I refer to as setting a trap for yourself to spring at the least opportune moment is to be avoided.

Yes, which is why I'm a strong advocate of preemptive replacement of certain parts. Even with the low miles we run. Personally, I try to AVOID roadside "maintenance".