Anyone replaced their alternators yet? If so, at how many miles at replacement time? Except for the slow charging, any warnings? Noises?

I am trying to determine if I should approach the alternator as a preventive mtce item on my list (see below).


For reference, I started a "water pump longetivity" thread and it is quite interesting knowing the longetivity of the WP. Based on what I have seen so far, I think I should consider regularly changing the WP at 30-40K miles as a preventive measure. Others may think otherwise, but I will seriously consider this route.

 

Why? When it goes, replace it. If you have $ burning a hole in your pocket, do something fun.

 

if an alternator goes, it's not going to genade your engine like an IMS or (rare but still possible) water pump. hence why people preventive replace those 2. no need to replace the alt. until it starts giving you trouble/dies.

 

I am just trying to figure out if our alternators have shorter life spans. My curiosity came about when the WP died so suddenly (I have been driving for over 30 years and I was so used to replacing Pumps after 90k miles).

Based on input, it appears that no one has had to replace the alternator -- which is good news to everyone.

 

I do understand about it not exploding the engine. I am more concerned about being stranded. My car is a daily driver, I frequent the not-so-visited canyons, drive to Vegas, etc.
Nothing worst than hearing your car just do the "click, click, click...."

 

120,000 miles on original alternator.

 

Hattrick, thx for the feedback. That #-of-miles is very comforting and mimicks the normal alt lifespan that I'm used to.

 

Well, I just checked my alternator and it was about to die. I was only able to hit 13.9 volts and it was somewhat noisy.

From a bimmer forum, I went today and bought a rebuilt unit from Valley Alternators. He is supposed to be using Bosch parts. I almost bought one from Autozone but some threads showed that they used inferior parts and they die quickly.

Bobby, the owner, was very nice. He checked the pulley and it was seized also. Thankfully, I brought the pulley I just bought. He also said it was very loose/worn.

Now the car is quieter and I am registering over 14v.


Cost: $175 for the alternator
Pulley: $54

I off and running again: new plugs, water pump, belt, oil, filter, etc.

Oh, change your plugs at 60k. My car ran noticeably better with new plugs.