Alternator

[Scotty]

I have a very reputible starter and alternator rebuilder near me. Depending upon what Amperage alternator I have they will rebuild it for $140 or $165.... My only apprehension is that that last time I got an alterntor from them they used a front bearing made in CHINA instead of a US make like SKF or equivalent and the alternator was whiney very quickly. While I have not confirmed it yet, I feel that my alternator is whining, I am going to pull the belt tomorrow and spin the accessories by hand to see what I can feel.

Has anyone purchased a NEW alternator recently from GM/Cadillac and what was the cost. I would have sent Brasington a quote request but its too late, Thanks, Mike

[JasonA]

For what it's worth, I used to work at Advance Auto, and we were always selling, and exchanging/returning, the house brand of rebuilt alternators. They just quit charging.

We almost NEVER took back an AC-Delco rebuilt alternator. They were usually $100-150 for the Delcos, but worth every penny. If you can get an AC-Delco rebuilt, I'm sure it'll work well, for a long time, in your car.

[KenD]

Just have the service department call me regarding a new alternator.......$400.00 Cdn or about $315.00 US + two hours to install.

[franey]

I recently replaced my alternator , and the local shop i use wanted about $130.00 to rebuild. NOW i have never had any trouble out of them before , but the AC DELCO factory rebuild was only $158.00, SO i went with the delco. SO far no problems.

[Bentham]

My alternator, as I can remember, was an AC Delco reman'd and it cost me just over $200 ! but the other 'aftermarket' crap didn't even work!

Go w/ Delco

-Eric

[Ranger]

I wouldn't hesitate to rebuild my alternator or have it done but I'd sure insist on american bearings.

[JBuckley]

I had my alternator rebuilt last summer, it cost me $125.00, and them I had to get my wifes alternator done on her Lesabre that was only $72.00.

I perfer to get my alternators and starters rebuilt, that way I know what I am getting, you just need to make sure of what parts your rebuilder uses, I went to them and asked if they uses american parts and asked to see them,

I would insist that they use american bearings and not tne import crap.

Mine has done great, quite as can be no whine at all.

Here are the steps I used to R&R mine

You will need to remove the RH fan to gain access to the alternator. (This may require you to remove the air bag front descriminating sensor bolts and swing the sensor out of the way)

Remove the serp belt.

Remove the negative cable at the battery.

Remove the + cable at the back of the alt.

Unplug the electrical connector at the alt.

Remove the 15mm bolt at the back of the alt.

Remove the 15mm bolt that is the top alternator mount (at the belt side of the alt.

Raise the car.

Remove the lower shield to gain access to the underside

Remove the special access panel at the lower radiator support held in with (4) 10mm bolts

Remove the front lower alt mount bolt (15mm)

Remove the rear alt mount bolt (15mm)

I know this is going to sound crazy, but the alternator WILL fit through the hole created by removing the access panel. It's tight, REALLY TIGHT! But it does fit. You will have to jockey it around a bit. Take your time because you will be right against the radiator.

Obviously, installation is the reverse order of the above steps.

It is not a bad job just a dad blasted tight job espically if you have large hands those radaitor fins can reach out and get you, also one of the bolts at the rear of the alternator will not come out of the mount as it backs up against the exhaust manifold.

Other than that have fun.

John

[mike5514]

I have rebuild my own alternators in the past and about 5 years ago my 89 camaro had a front bearing noise my gm manual said it was not rebuildable so i took it to a local rebuilder. Installed it my self - It did not work! Removed it and found the PIN that held the brushes for installation were still in. So I looked it over as much as i could and found you cannot remove the front pully housing. The reason for this was 3 large wires were attached permanently. The rebuilder had cut these wires and reattached them with crimp connecters. YOU CAN SEE THESE WIRES FROM OUT SIDE THE ALT. AND THERE IS ENOUGH ACCESS TO CUT AND CRIMP WHEN THE ALT IS TOGETHER, Im assuming that a cadillac is the same way and once these wires are cut the alternator can be rebuild as normal. Parts may be hard to get so check it out. Remember I have never rebuilt a late model gm alternator but I will try next time I have a alt. problem. mike

[nddpm]

Scotty I just purchased a Delco-Remy Remanufactured part# 321-1006 at Discount /Advance Auto Parts here in St.Pete Florida for $128.00 USD plus core charge , currently removing old one now JBucley's instructions are precise Thanks all and a special thanks for Bbobinski for coolant leak /overheating tips

[Scotty]

Thanks guys, I called Caddy today and they wanted $240, for a rebuilt unit and they wanted my old one ($35 core I might keep it! LOL..).

I always used to rebuild mine in the old days there is nothing to it, HOWEVER it is a *smurf* to do the front bearing, I think you need special tools to get the pulley off which I dont have.

I will either have mine rebuilt (with american bearings if he can guarantee that) or buy a AC Delco rebuilt unit. While the rebuilder I use is reputible he insists that the Chinese bearings are JUST AS GOOD..... I say BS, as I have seen one go in 20,000 miles and become rough. He was UNABLE to determine that it was bad but when I turned it in my fingers it showed roughness intermittantly.....

Thanks for all the feedback, Will Advise... Mike