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

[Atis]

I had no idea that people were replacing the bearings in their alternators.

If I would take it apart I would change bearings, slipring and brushes as well, as they are really cheap.
As I heard, the regulator (i.e. electronics inside) rarely fails, but the brushes wear out.

The S70 alternator should be kind of a similar to these ones:


Bearing change:


Pulley:


Brushes:

[erikv11]

+1 to Atis: a DIY alternator rebuild is not only much higher quality than buying a rebuilt at the parts store, it is also much cheaper.

@ Redneck: if you want to replace the VR, see that post I linked to up above, there is a good discussion on them including how to make sure you are pricing the correct one at FCP. Bottom line, if I needed to replace the VR I would just go with one of the generic ones in the $40-60 range. Get a price from http://store.alternatorparts.com/ the quality is more than likely just fine.

[Redneck]

Do you guys know what Bosch Voltage Regulator part number is in our Volvo 850 alternators? Specifically in:
Alternator Volvo PN: 9162683
Bosh PN: 0 123 505 014

I see two Bosch VR alternatives on the web:
1-197-311-234 (expensive: $250+)
and
1-197-311-213 (cheap: $40-50)

I wonder if one of the two is inside the alternator.

Some of you will say that it does not matter. Either one will work. It will, but how they both charge the battery may be different. The price is also very different. I wonder why.

I have an AGM battery for example and one with a lower voltage output would be better for me. Im not sure if I can buy a VR that would be more appropriate for an AGM battery, but that would be the best.

[erikv11]

Maybe third time is a charm ...

... @ Redneck: if you want to replace the VR, see that post I linked to up above, there is a good discussion on them including how to make sure you are pricing the correct one at FCP. Bottom line, if I needed to replace the VR I would just go with one of the generic ones in the $40-60 range. Get a price from http://store.alternatorparts.com/ the quality is more than likely just fine.

Your exact question is answered in a link from my first post up there, complete with pictures and part numbers that probably match up with the ones you just posted. To summarize but there is much more information there: It absolutely matters. You can't use the web sites to figure it out, you have to pull the reg out of your current alternator, and see which one is in there. You will be able to find a replacement in the $50 range, but you need to open yours up and get the part number. It is the best (only?) way to be sure.

[Redneck]

There are people who have already opened their alternator in their Volvos 850:
Alternator Volvo PN: 9162683
Bosh PN: 0 123 505 014

What I want to know is the Bosch part number of the Voltage Regulator that is inside of this Alternator. The VRs should be all the same. Having that I can find a correct substitute from various catalogs.

Many of the VR that some of you interchange with aftermarket substitutes have different resistance levels that may not be 100% compatible with the existing electrical system. You need to reference the existing Bosch PN with a correct aftermarket look alike. I find that many online stores pusch aftermarket VRs that are not directly compatible, even if they physically fit and everything seems to work.

@eric11, I don't use generic parts. My repairs and preventive maintenance is the highest quality. I am looking at Huco 13-0559 if the existing Bosch VR is 1197311234. I previously mentioned Bosch 1197311213, but that one has a higher built in resistance which will give lower Amperage output. It may not be appropriate for the car despite online stores advertising it as a correct substitute. That is why I want to know what Bosh VR is currently inside Alternator Volvo PN: 9162683, Bosh PN: 0 123 505 014. With that info I can check with Huco catalog which of their aftermarket VRs is the correct substitute.

[erikv11]

Yes I know. In fact, I am one of those people and so you may want to go up there and click the link, you may be pleased with what you find. There is a picture of my 9162683 alternator, showing its part number, and the VR that comes out of it, with its Bosch part number. Hint: it isn't 1197311234.

Huco makes a good regulator, good luck with your repair.

[Redneck]

Erikv11, ok. I see your post. Yes. It needs to be different. I have found some other sources confirming it. Now I just need to find a good price. Did your Alternator with MOBILETRON VR-B229 fail? What failed there. I hope it was not that VR.

[erikv11]

That alternator with the B229 was one that came with a used engine I bought. So I expected it to be good but when I took it down to the parts store, it failed the tests. it was not dead but it failed. However the slip ring on it is very deeply grooved and probably worn out. I even picked up a replacement VR-B229 on this site from a known working alternator and got the same symptoms when I installed it and took it to the parts store for testing, so I am hoping the slip ring is the real problem with that one. The alternator sits on the bench now, it is from my parts car so I am not in a hurry to get it running again. But in the meantime I have two of those VRs now. I don't remember how much brush they have left on them but it isn't completely gone.

Do you know a source for slip rings?

[Redneck]

Yes. For my application the VR-B229 is the aftermarket alternative. Mobiletron seems to be a huge Asian company from Taiwan. They make very good electronics in Taiwan. Most server and computer components are made by Taiwaneese companies. 1800 employees. Does that beat Bosch German Engineering:)? even if some Bosch are made in India:). I may save $100 and get Mobiletron.

Sliprings.. I haven't even gotten to that yet:)..That alternator research is a pain:)
We need to make sure that the slipring is made of good grade copper or brass, and not fall apart:). Im not sure what they use exactly. It needs to be hard enough alloy so it does not wear out fast. I heavily look at eBay as well and ask sellers questions. I would ask that Irish starter+alternator guy from Youtube videos

VIDA does not show any part number for slipring either.

[cn90]

Bosch VR is $33.
Bearings you have to source separately.
If the alternator has <150K, the slip rings are likely OK.

http://www.eeuroparts.com/Cars/Volvo/69 ... z34UXP7lQv

Your other option is buy a Bosch alternator AL0752X on ebay for $110 and done with.