My alternator is dead and it's Friday. I really don't want to wait until Monday or Tuesday for the local dealership to order a new one in. So is there a difference in what O'Reilly's, Autozone, Napa, etc stocks? Or, are they all bad and I should wait? Anyone have any experience with any of them? Thanks a ton!!
Alternator - any difference between auto parts stores?
- Thread starter GranolaJoe
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Get one with a lifetime warranty.
I do well with advance auto parts buy it online and pick up at the store use code trt41 for $40 off trt30 will get you 30% off you might check the web and find a one day deal for 50% sometimes... I take mine to a local rebuilder he builds them for MOST of the stores you mention and they do a good job... last one cost me $110 had a choice one off the shelf or mine rebuilt I did mine rebuilt took a day...
Repeat: Get a reman alternator with a lifetime warranty.
Better yet, for about what you're going to pay for a Toyota reman you should just buy two of the indie auto parts store units...and have one for back up.
If you research remain starters, alternators, etc., they just replace the parts that don't pass inspection on the bench at the time of the reman. Bearings are one of the items that usually get renewed but no telling how much grease is actually in them, etc.
IMHO if you think you are getting higher quality reman starter or alternator from the Toyota parts counter you are mistaken. Other than the virgin alternator that came with my 100 subsequent reman units, including "Toyota" reman, haven't lasted very long. The Toyota reman alternator lasted the fewest # of months/miles @ under 24-months...just outside the 1-year warranty. The current O'Reilly unit is just past its 3rd year since I installed it.
FWIW/FYI: Most of my alt issues are primiarily because of its low hanging position on the motor and water crossings. And it doesn't take much of a water crossing to splash the alternator.
One last tip: Before you leave whatever parts supplier's counter with alternator/starter in hand, new or especially reman, have them bench test it to be sure its operational. You'd be surprised at the return rate...for non working reman alts/starters.
Better yet, for about what you're going to pay for a Toyota reman you should just buy two of the indie auto parts store units...and have one for back up.
If you research remain starters, alternators, etc., they just replace the parts that don't pass inspection on the bench at the time of the reman. Bearings are one of the items that usually get renewed but no telling how much grease is actually in them, etc.
IMHO if you think you are getting higher quality reman starter or alternator from the Toyota parts counter you are mistaken. Other than the virgin alternator that came with my 100 subsequent reman units, including "Toyota" reman, haven't lasted very long. The Toyota reman alternator lasted the fewest # of months/miles @ under 24-months...just outside the 1-year warranty. The current O'Reilly unit is just past its 3rd year since I installed it.
FWIW/FYI: Most of my alt issues are primiarily because of its low hanging position on the motor and water crossings. And it doesn't take much of a water crossing to splash the alternator.
One last tip: Before you leave whatever parts supplier's counter with alternator/starter in hand, new or especially reman, have them bench test it to be sure its operational. You'd be surprised at the return rate...for non working reman alts/starters.
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advance / carquest in my area $125 for the carquest "brand" use the trt41 coupon code order it online pick up at the store and get $40 off and comes with a lifetime warranty... hard to beat... most of these are rebuilt in Memphis TN at the rebuilders I've seen every major auto parts place name on stacks of boxes... autozone corporate headquarters is 8 blocks away...
- Thread starter
- #12
Very interesting stuff!! My brain doesn't want to believe it but clearly you've been down this road. Thank you.
I don't shy away from paying for bona fide quality. But based upon my experience with all things Toyota reman...you're just pissing your money away for brand. I seriously doubt if Toyota even has a reman facility; if they did they'd be bragging about it 
. If I was a bet'n man I'd say one of a few indie reman sweat shops is their source...
. If I was a bet'n man I'd say one of a few indie reman sweat shops is their source...
Two years ago, Denso opened up (and bought out another company) in Long Beach, CA that handles the remanufacturing of alternators and starters. I would imagine Toyota USA would source it from there. Anybody?
^ if so then that might lend explanation to the POS Toyota reman alternator I bought ~ 4-5 years ago. It would be nice to get a quality product...without having to go down the HO rabbit hole.
We just need better data...to help us make better decisions
We just need better data...to help us make better decisions
- Thread starter
- #16
Quick dumb question...my alternator (and subsequently, my battery) gave out at a friend's house about 7 miles away. Is it possible to stick any battery (as in a battery from my other vehicle) just to drive the 7 miles? I would like to install the alternator in the comfort of my clean garage versus on a gravel driveway. Thanks!
You can probably make it 7 miles on a new battery, but there's a good chance you won't. It depends if it's a straight shot at 50 mph, or if you have a bunch of lights to go through to get there. You very well will most likely make it.
SO.... did he make it!?
NAPA has been carrying DENSO parts now for a few years. If I cant get it readily at the dealership, I have been lucky enough to find DENSO parts there for any electrical stuff I have done.
Listen to Spressomon for the best results! Couldn't agree with him more.