100 series alternator lifespan

[highonpottery]

My 2002 original alternator went 240k

 

[pavell]

On my 2000 it just hit 236,000 miles. Battery light started coming on at idle only….cruising on the highway or accelerating no battery light. I just bought a Toyota reman alternator and threw it in today.

 

[GTV]

On my 2000 it just hit 236,000 miles. Battery light started coming on at idle only….cruising on the highway or accelerating no battery light. I just bought a Toyota reman alternator and threw it in today.

Throw new brushes in that old alt and keep it as a spare.

 

[LCT]

2004 LC: Replaced @ 180k miles in 2023

2005 LX: Replaced @ 105k miles in 2025. Looks like it’s not the miles but the age…they get old and tired after about 20 years. Lol.

 

[TahoeZ]

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
View attachment 4045634
After cleaning, rear cover and old brushes removed
View attachment 4045635
New brushes installed. Pull the release pin and reinstall the cover.
View attachment 4045637
View attachment 4045638

View attachment 4045639

For reference, the correct replacement brush assembly part number for my 2001 was 2737075060

 

[ScotyDosentKnow]

My original alternator made it to 240K miles before dying 1500 miles away from home in Sedona AZ. In all fairness I had been hearing a squeaking noise for quite a while in the accessory drive I couldn't figure out. Tried replacing idler pulleys etc.......new alternator fixed it. Ive done some deep water crossings that probably didn't do it any favors.

Unfortunately I got stuck with one from Autozone due to being on a road trip and just needing to get it back on the road. We will see how long it lasts.

 

[Aracobuilt]

My original alternator died at 50,000 miles. Only thing I can think of is from lack of use, maybe moisture, IDK. Installed a new Denso and have 188,000 on the rig. So the Denso alternator currently has 138,000 miles and is still going strong.

 

[uHu]

Mine went at about 250 k km. Problem was one diode in the bridge. Replaced the bridge with oem, and gtg.

 

[GTV]

For reference, the correct replacement brush assembly part number for my 2001 was 2737075060

I recently ordered brushes for my 07 LC (27370-58460) and my 05 Tundra (27370-0F060). Visually they are 100% identical.

 

[SmoothLC]

230K before replacing with OEM reman'd.

 

[GTV]

My brushes started to go out at 222k, ‘07 LC, 130a. I swapped it for a 180a, put new brushes in the 130a and swapped that into my Tundra.

 

[willmtaylor]

My 2005 with 245k just died.

 

[nissanh]

My 2005 with 245k just died.

Just get a new OEM set of brush kit.
My 92 Corolla 300K miles, 4Runner 226K, LC 100 at 260K and all got factory original alternators with new OEM brush kits. If slip rings are worn out, take it to a lath machine shop and ask them to install new slip rings.

 

[CrackedManifold]

I've went through 4 Carquest brand alternators within a 6 year period (2002 Sequoia). Lifetime warranty so I just keep replacing for free.

My 2005 LX with 240K is still on original alternator.

 

[Aracobuilt]

I've went through 4 Carquest brand alternators within a 6 year period (2002 Sequoia). Lifetime warranty so I just keep replacing for free.

My 2005 LX with 240K is still on original alternator.

Is it really worth the hassle? Isn't it better to spend a little more on an OEM or Denso and be good for at least 10 years.

 

[willmtaylor]

I was able to remove skid plate, take off serp belt, loosen fan shroud and power steering pump, and remove alternator from bottom without disconnecting any coolant lines or power steering lines.

Got the new one in and she started right up after the boy’s soccer practice.

 

[Sooner08]

I replaced the alternators on my 2 LX470's as described below.

In my 2000: 8/3/2020- 211k-mi alternator failed. rebuilt what I believe but unconfirmed is the original, definitely Denso, alternator- new koyo bearing, brushes, voltage regulator, slip rings.

In my 2002: 4/17/22- 170k-mi (believed but unconfirmed original, definitely Denso). pre-emptively replaced the 2002 alternator while replacing the radiator. reman’d Denso alternator

As an update, 20,000 miles later the alternator I had rebuilt by local a local alternator shop (I couldn't do the slip rings myself) failed. I replaced with a reman'd 150 amp Sequia, ran new 4 gauge wire and 3-to-4-plug change.

The reman'd on the 2002 is still going strong 60,0000 miles later.