My 2001 is at 213k miles on the original alternator. Debating buying a denso replacement to have on hand. Looking to see how many miles some of you guys have on your original alternator!
100 series alternator lifespan
- Thread starter harrislc100
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To the best of my knowledge, I had an original I just swapped out st 310k. It definitely looked like a 25 year old part.
2002 LC here, 255k miles and still on original alternator. No signs of low voltage or discharge. Unless you are way out in the wilderness and carrying your own tools with you I don’t think it’s necessary.
I had no issues with mine until a freak winter storm caused my alternator casing to crack and lock up. upon starting the car it snapped the belt and i knew it was time for a new alternator. I was in a pinch and used the autozone replacement and havent had any issues for the last 3 years knock on wood
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I’m sure extreme temperatures definitely affect the lifespan! I had a lot of issues with my battery during the winter when we lived in northern Oklahoma.
Power steering leaks and oil leaks kill alternators. Keep all of the gunk out of them and they last a long time.
^^this
Keep it dry from oil and water (from water wading/deep river crossing) and it should last a very long time.
changed the brushes on mine since it’s easy and cheap after removal. It’s either original or over 10 years old and works. For those with oil and gunk in them, is there a good way to clean them?
Fwiw -My 2000 oem lasted 250k. My 2006 oem lasted about 150k.
Weirdly, I'm on my 3rd alternator.
2006 LX, currently at 156,xxx miles. I'm 2nd owner as of 2009, bought out a friend's lease, who got it new. Pampered So Cal SoccerMom LX that to this day looks new underneath.
1st alternator replaced with OEM June 2012 at 61,7xx miles, by independent Lexus shop, whom I've later lost trust in.
2nd alternator replaced with OEM reman January 2022 at 138,xxx miles, by myself and neighbor. 2 year old battery kept dying, auto parts store guy hooked up a tester and said alternator issue.
2006 LX, currently at 156,xxx miles. I'm 2nd owner as of 2009, bought out a friend's lease, who got it new. Pampered So Cal SoccerMom LX that to this day looks new underneath.
1st alternator replaced with OEM June 2012 at 61,7xx miles, by independent Lexus shop, whom I've later lost trust in.
2nd alternator replaced with OEM reman January 2022 at 138,xxx miles, by myself and neighbor. 2 year old battery kept dying, auto parts store guy hooked up a tester and said alternator issue.
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My 2007 LX factory alternator went out around 140K miles, iirc.
Mine 2000’s quit working at 126k miles, but, obviously, 25 years. Can you get a true original Denso anymore?
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I’m not sure. I’ve looked and think you are pretty much only going to get Toyota reman
1999 - Original alternator lasted >300k.
In retrospect I think of it more as having lasted about 3 months after I submerged it several times in muddy water.
In retrospect I think of it more as having lasted about 3 months after I submerged it several times in muddy water.
Just replaced yesterday. 2001>268k.
Started and heard what could easily be considered a radio whine immediately. Hmmm. Increased rpm and seemed to go away. At low idle back. My shop happens to be 1 mile away. They heard it too. Two things. It still measured 14.1v but at low idle the voltage dropped slightly on the gauge. Replaced. All good!
Started and heard what could easily be considered a radio whine immediately. Hmmm. Increased rpm and seemed to go away. At low idle back. My shop happens to be 1 mile away. They heard it too. Two things. It still measured 14.1v but at low idle the voltage dropped slightly on the gauge. Replaced. All good!
Key to long life. Keep alternator clean and dry.
Missing #1 undershield. Even open port in #1 shield. Even to some extent, missing radiator foam. Result in more debris blowing into alternator.
Missing #1 undershield. Even open port in #1 shield. Even to some extent, missing radiator foam. Result in more debris blowing into alternator.
GTV
SILVER Star
This is the way. Brushes are a consumable part. That being the case they are easy to get to and inexpensive to replace. IMO the smart move is to replace the brushes at ≈180k miles during the second timing belt change.
I’ve used this stuff for cleaning
After cleaning, rear cover and old brushes removed
New brushes installed. Pull the release pin and reinstall the cover.