Date:         Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:01:30 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Alternator Brushes Wore Out Pretty Darn Quick
Comments: To: Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <4E52F32A.1020008@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

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.
>
>