96 850 Voltage regulator 9162683 1 197 311 520

[Chuck W]

I don't see anyway to release the old brushes, it looks like the pigtail wire, if it has
one, is crimped in the back.

That is attached to a small solid wire that is soldered in place in the regulator. You drill out the old brushes (they disintegrate) and carefully drill out the solder joint. You then feed the new brushes in and solder the wire in place, trimming off any excess.

VIDEO

[PeteB]

Thanks very much Chuck!
Mine are crimped and not soldered and I thought about drilling them out
then soldering in the new ones so it seems that will work just fine.

That guy gave a link to his ebay store to buy the brushes but it is dead now,
seems partsgeek also sells them - will look for the correct ones.

[Chuck W]

I should have the part number at home. I bought an extra set or two, so I know they're on the bench.

[Chuck W]

Sorry. Posted the PN in the wrong post.

The Bosch PN for the brush set is 1 127 014 028.

[Kanabea]

I found the BOSCH 1 197 311 520 for $25 at an Electric supply company in Dallas, TX
https://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/80 ... 1592850870

[abscate]

I found the BOSCH 1 197 311 520 for $25 at an Electric supply company in Dallas, TX
https://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/80 ... 1592850870

I just looked this over and am not convinced its Bosch. Reading the lines and looking at the picture, it looks like a knock-off

Update - Ive ordered one since all the brands are now outsourced remanfuacturered in various overseas countries

Will update my experience here.

[abscate]

Popped the 1998 alternator out and removed regulator

Note corrosion on the contacts and that the brushes are not equally worn. One either got stuck or ran out of spring

New ones have more thantwice this length

[abscate]

By the way, from the P2 forum

Replace the voltage regulator or alternator with a low mile used OEM one;
I made the mistake of putting a Duralast alternator in my car 4 years ago. I couldn't have any downtime and the cars in the yard had 300k+ on them. I've since used the lifetime warranty on it 4 times...
Junk.

[erikv11]

Yes. Just say no to aftermarket regulators if you can. Rebuilding with new brushes seems one good way to go.

The aftermarket VR in my T5-R is still working, although that car does not get a lot of miles maybe 3k per year.

[Helchemist]

Great thread and very timely!
Having issues with power on my 98 V70R and the AutoZone tester revealed alternator as the cause. Primed with a previously ordered part from FCP, I pulled my VR today only to find my old one has the LRC and the new one doesn't. Is it possible to use the small VR on a LRC type? Can you leave it unconnected?