940 1994 install new/rebuilt alternator?

[writer100]

Hello fellow Volvo drivers:

My car has 174,000 miles on it. My drive belts have 70,000 plus miles on them, and I am planning to replace them, along with the alternator bushings. My alternator, which is presumably original, works fine.

Is it worthwhile to replace the alternator while I am in there? I would consider rebuilding it, but it I have been advised by automotive electrical shops that this is no longer done. They only sell new or rebuilt ones. I would rather not spend the money, not to mention take the risk of introducing any possible new electrical issues that may come from a new/rebuilt alternator. What kind of lifespan can I expect from my existing alternator?

If you do recommend a new/rebuild alternator, can you please advise on a good source and estimate the expense?

As always, thanks for your advice.

Alex

[billofdurham]

In the words of an old mechanic and very good friend, "If it isn't broke, why fix it?" Actually his langauge was slightly more flowery as someone (me) had just upset him with a stupid question.

The automotive electrical shops, like many modern repair people, do not repair now, they only replace. You can still buy brushes and slip rings for alternators as one of our members found recently. See here.

Leave it until you need to mend it. It is a straightforward job.

Bill.

[writer100]

Bill,

Thanks. That's what I wanted to hear. Hopefully the original will go another hundred thousand miles!


I will keep everybody posted on this job.

Alex