I have replaced just the regulator/brush pack many times with satisfactory results for years on various vehicles with Bosch alternators. The same basic alternator was used in many European cars and I have put Vanagon ones into Audi, BMW and Volvo after swapping the mounting plate section of the alternator cases. For the really frugal among us the bare brushes are also available, such as from Bus Depot. If you have the time and skill you can solder those into the old regulator/brush pack and carry it as a spare. Replacement bearings are also available and I have swapped those a few times when in a bind. The results were not that great long term and buying the genuine Bosch Rebuilt units is all I will do given the choice. I carry a spare tested alternator with pulley in all of my Vanagons, and 2 belts. If the alternator bearings fail badly the result can be that the waterpump won't turn. It only takes a few minutes to swap the alternator. Those adjustable regulator setups are from a far away land sometimes associated with lower quality parts so it may be that they don't last because they are not as good as original brushes. Mark Rocket J Squirrel wrote: > For $160 (no core), Ron lists the "AL33XOR" as "U.S. Remanufactured," > not Bosch remanufactured. So that's a bit confusing. > > Anyway, Dennis Haynes suggested I check for a worn rear bearing by > taking off the belt and trying to rock the alt fan, but I detected no > rockerage, so it's not clear to me if my quickly worn brushes warn of an > alternator needing replacement or not. > > |
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