CBrown1500@aol.com wrote:
>
> I started the car at work and heard a terrible hum/vibration, and it wasn't
> the engine. I lifted the hood and it was coming from the alternator. I then
> made a beeline for home, but alas did not make it. I've now got the
> alternator off. Previously, on other vehicles I've just bought a rebuilt one
> and threw it on, I can get a rebuilt one for $95.00 Canadian. Now I've got
> it off I'm wondering if I can fix it myself. I'm not an expert at
> auto-electrics, but have done fairly well so far learning along the way.
> I've researched my Haynes manual, but not much info is there. Is it worth it
> to try to do this, or should I just buy the rebuilt one? Is the hum that
> precipitated the alternator failing an indication of the problem? If I
> should rebuild/fix it where should I start?
>
> Jim,
>
> Was the alternator still charging, or did you even notice? It sounds to be
> more of a mechanical problem than an electrical one. Typically the front
> bearing is the first to go because of the fan belt load, and they are fairly
> easy to replace. My guess it's self destructed. A proper size gear puller to
> remove the pully and separation of the front and rear covers will give you
> easy access to the front bearing. Replacement bearings can usually be had
> from a local bearing supplier.
>
> The rear bearing is a bit more of a bear to replace. The slip ring needs to
> be CAREFULLY desoldered (the two wires are very fine and easy to break) and
> you'll need a small bearing separator and a two jaw puller to get the bearing
> itself off.
>
> There's not room here to go into diagnosing the electrical portion, but if
> you find the unit's not charging let me know. I did a full article for our
> newsletter about a year ago and I can "attach" the info along with
> illustrations if necessary. The units can be easily diagnosed if you have a
> reasonable digital VOM. The only confusion usually comes from the voltage
> regulator. They come in 2, 3, and 4 wire configurations, depending on whether
> they're machine (alternator) or system (voltage available at the harness)
> sensing.
>
> Let me know,
> Charlie B.
> Capital Triumph RegisterI would love to know about re-building alternators as
>i have just
installed my "spare" and have the failed on sitting around looking
lonely!
Cap'n Scott
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