Volvo 850, S70, V70 alternator repair, replace regulator.

Post by **rspi** » 08 Jun 2014, 20:40

This video will show you how to replace the voltage regulator with the alternator still on the car.

Post by **mecheng** » 10 Jun 2014, 13:32

What about the bearings on the alternator? Do they seem to hold up?

Post by **cn90** » 10 Jun 2014, 14:26

Most bearings, whether it is serp belt pulleys or alternator's bearings, have a lifespan of roughly 150K-180K or so...
Use only Koyo or Nachi brands...

Post by **Atis** » 10 Jun 2014, 23:45

and Skf was the third supplier for altrnator bearings

Redneck · Post by **Redneck** » 11 Jun 2014, 01:53

Does anyone know the dimensions of the Front and Rear bearings for 1996 Volvo 850 Bosch alternator? See label picture.

I don't trust the Remanufactured alternators. They put the cheapest bearings (if they replace them at all) and the cheapest voltage regulator. I will rather take the effort and get the best components to refurbish it myself.

The car has about 200K miles. I don't want to get stranded. I am also going to replace Starter Motor just in case.

@Robert/RSPI.. This is a great trick that you posted:) Now, how do I replace the bearings without removing the alternator from the car:)?

Does anyone know where to get Bosch Voltage Regulator for the best price?

Post by **mecheng** » 11 Jun 2014, 06:31

I can't see how you are able to replace the bearings in the alternator without removing it because bearings are press fit.
If they spin okay, leave them. They will give you ample warning before they fail.

Post by **erikv11** » 11 Jun 2014, 07:12

I've never had a bearing fail yet on an alternator. Same on power steering pump, AC compressor, serp pulleys etc. Overhauling is of course good insurance if you are looking for something to tinker with but this is not the timing belt path we are talking about - it is also fine to just leave them until they get noisy, like mecheng says you can hear the warning and change them at that time.

Alternator has to come out to change the bearings. Here are some good tips about alternator rebuilds in these two posts, I also agree that most rebuilt alts you can buy are junk:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 7&p=259876
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=61610

Post by **Atis** » 11 Jun 2014, 07:56

Redneck wrote:Does anyone know the dimensions of the Front and Rear bearings for 1996 Volvo 850 Bosch alternator?

"6203 2RS" (17*40*12)
"6303 2RS" (17*47*14)
SKF or Koyo as mentioned above

Post by **rspi** » 11 Jun 2014, 09:09

I had no idea that people were replacing the bearings in their alternators. If you replace the alternator in your car, the replacement will likely outlast the life of the car. Not to many people keep a 10+ year old car for more than 4 years or 60,000 miles. That is why most parts companies give a "lifetime warranty" on just about every part they sell.

I have read of many people say that the R & R of the alternator took them several hours. I think I can replace them in 1.5 hours. Here is my process.

Redneck · Post by **Redneck** » 11 Jun 2014, 13:07

Thank you guys for your replies. I really appreciate them.

The video on replacing VR without taking the alternator out may change my mind about replacing bearings. This was a great tip by rspi. I was of course joking about replacing the bearings with alternator in the car:)

I regularly drive 1000-2000 miles away from home and wouldn't want to hear failing bearing on the alternator while on my trip so I may do the bearings. From what I hear, the bearings are not easy to remove so that will be the hardest part.

The price for Bosch Voltage Regulator is insane: $267.44 at FCP. Someone mentioned HUCO brand. Has that work well for you guys? Any other good aftermarket alternatives?

I have replaced so many things in this car that I actually never plan on getting rid of it. I don't think the latest models are much better. They may be worse.