My alternator is beginning to whine..it's a Bosch remanufactured...with a substantial amount of miles (its about due).

I'm not a big DIY'er, but I don't mind saving money at all (especially when I'm trying to save up for SFCs!). So, my question is, how difficult is it to replace the alternator, and, how much longer do you think I have before it seizes up and dies or something? The whining isn't too bad right now...but noticeable.

Thanks for any replies.

-Anthony Helton

 

It has to be one of the easiest repairs on a car to do yourself. Easier than brakes, less messy than changing oil, less swearing than spark plugs.

Disconnect your negative battery cable from the battery (using the right size wrench or socket which is 5/16", not a pair of pliers), and then just do it. It's extremely easy.

 

When started whining but it ran good for about another 8 months before it died.

As for changing an alt. It is so easy. First time i did it. The hardest is getting the long bolt back into the block.

 

Wow! You nust have a strange alternator. Most of them mount OUTSIDE the block.

It's fairly easy to repair an alternator yourself, and you can be assured that the output rating is the same as what's stamped on the case. A brush set and front bearing are usually less than $15. Just meter the stator and rotor windings, and check each diode in the rectifier assembly.