Alternator PM advice needed

[Ayune]

My '98 LC still has the original alternator going on 317K miles. I'm seeing no signs that it's failing: No bearing noise, 14.2V when driving, 12.7V when idling & fully loaded. I carry a new brush set "just in case" but I'd like more peace of mind hauling my family around.

Why I'm asking:

- I've heard conflicting info about reman alternators failing and I'm wondering if it would actually be a step down in reliability? An OEM reman 100A (27060-50260-84) is cheap at $160.

- Upgrading to a 130A LC or 150A Sequoia alternator isn't necessary since I'm not running any added electrical accessories, and they're reman also (cost is $250 for either).

- Or I could rebuild the original with just new bearings & brushes for $50, keeping the original regulator and rectifier since they're more expensive than the entire reman unit.

In all cases I'll be replacing the fragile connector.

Thanks.

 

[2020 Rocks]

I recently replaced just the brush on my alternator, bearings seemed fine. 210k

 

[JunkCrzr89]

I rebuilt my original at 205k miles with new bearings and brushes, but also bought a Denso reman as a spare because they're cheap insurance on long trips.

 

[flintknapper]

I rebuilt my original at 205k miles with new bearings and brushes, but also bought a Denso reman as a spare because they're cheap insurance on long trips.

That was my 'plan' also but when I actually got into the OEM unit it had been badly overheated and the Regulator and Rectifier were both in terrible shape. So I ended up having to go with an O'Reilly 'reman' to get back on the road. First one lasted two years and the regulator quit. They replaced it right across the counter no questions asked, out the door in under 5 minutes. Second has gone a bit over 2 years now and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

But I agree with having a 'spare' for long trips. I keep a spare starter in mine as well.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

I keep a spare starter in mine as well

That would not be a fun field repair

 

[AlpineAccess]

 

[Ayune]

I rebuilt my original at 205k miles with new bearings and brushes, but also bought a Denso reman as a spare because they're cheap insurance on long trips.

What sort of press did you use for the bearing replacement? I have an arbor press with a 6" height.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

What sort of press did you use for the bearing replacement? I have an arbor press with a 6" height.

No press. Used a bearing puller (below) to get them off, then some 3/4” drive deep sockets and a bench vise to put the new bearings on.

 

[flintknapper]

That would not be a fun field repair

Yeah, wouldn't want to do it while away from home, but could take it to a local shop IF you had the part in hand.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I would buy the genuine OEM reman, install it and keep the existing alternator as a complete back up unit for cross-county trips.

I've been stranded twice with a dead alternator on road trips in the 100. It sucks. My current mitigation plan is my solar system and second battery, but ideally, you'd just carry an entire second alternator. That seems ridiculous, but after being stranded twice in ~7 years I'm about at that point.

 

[thebeedeegee]

I would buy the genuine OEM reman, install it and keep the existing alternator as a complete back up unit for cross-county trips.

I've been stranded twice with a dead alternator on road trips in the 100. It sucks. My current mitigation plan is my solar system and second battery, but ideally, you'd just carry an entire second alternator. That seems ridiculous, but after being stranded twice in ~7 years I'm about at that point.

Why can the stock OEM alternator last 150k+ miles but go out after a few thousand once being rebuilt? Thats what I dont understand. It seems everyone has this problem once they replace the alternator the first time. Seems like if you replace bearings, regulator, brushes you should be good to go for another 100k but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Can you even buy a 100% brand new OEM alternator or are they all rebuilt?

 

[suprarx7nut]

Why can the stock OEM alternator last 150k+ miles but go out after a few thousand once being rebuilt? Thats what I dont understand. It seems everyone has this problem once they replace the alternator the first time. Seems like if you replace bearings, regulator, brushes you should be good to go for another 100k but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Can you even buy a 100% brand new OEM alternator or are they all rebuilt?

You can buy new. They're +/-$1,000 and special order out of Japan.

I'm not sure what causes the oem to be so much better, but it does seem to be that way. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure water crossings killed mine both times.

 

[ramangain]

Why can the stock OEM alternator last 150k+ miles but go out after a few thousand once being rebuilt? Thats what I dont understand. It seems everyone has this problem once they replace the alternator the first time. Seems like if you replace bearings, regulator, brushes you should be good to go for another 100k but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Can you even buy a 100% brand new OEM alternator or are they all rebuilt?

Because the Aichi Gods blessed the OEM factory one, and did not bless anything else.

 

[flintknapper]

You can buy new. They're +/-$1,000 and special order out of Japan.

I'm not sure what causes the oem to be so much better, but it does seem to be that way. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure water crossings killed mine both times.

^^^^^

Yeah, they picked a heck of a spot to mount it (as low on the engine as possible), where it is susceptible to everything.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

I would buy the genuine OEM reman

Why? It’s a $50 price markup for the addition of “Toyota” on the sticker next to “Denso”.

 

[suprarx7nut]

Why? It’s a $50 price markup for the addition of “Toyota” on the sticker next to “Denso”.

I've had multiple iffy Denso reman items over the last few years. A starter and alternator. Starter was good on the bench, complete failure installed. I believe the Toyota items receive more scrutiny during manufacturing/qc and if there's an option for those, I find it's a better value proposition to spend a little more on the genuine parts, even a reman. The labor is worth much more than the price difference.

I was a die hard rock auto Denso fan for years. A couple bad units changed that.

 

[Ayune]

Why can the stock OEM alternator last 150k+ miles but go out after a few thousand once being rebuilt? Thats what I dont understand. It seems everyone has this problem once they replace the alternator the first time. Seems like if you replace bearings, regulator, brushes you should be good to go for another 100k but that doesn't seem to be the case.

My guess is the regulator installed in the reman units is substandard. So far it looks like I’ll rebuild with OEM bearings and brushes and leave the original regulator.

You can buy new. They're +/-$1,000 and special order out of Japan.

Looks like Partsouq sells them new for $737. Too rich for me, though.

 

[suprarx7nut]

My guess is the regulator installed in the reman units is substandard. So far it looks like I’ll rebuild with OEM bearings and brushes and leave the original regulator.

Looks like Partsouq sells them new for $737. Too rich for me, though.
View attachment 2537964

That is a lot, but probably cheaper per mile. Tempting!

 

[95Fantasma80]

Denso 210-0565 Remanufactured Alternator

$134.02 Denso 210-0565 Alternator - Same Day Shipping. Free Returns. PayPal Accepted. Secure Online Ordering. Est. 1969.

www.densoproducts.com

This is the route I went at 200k service, shop swapped it during timing belt service. I've heard the reman units no good as well but that's when using something from an auto store when folks have no choice and need something asap that may not be as good as reman denso which are only sold via toyota/lexus dealership or online equivalent, select online denso stores (linked above), and none available at your typical Auto B&M. Have not heard of reman denso alternator failing prematurely so went this route.

 

[OldTrailFab]

I would buy the genuine OEM reman, install it and keep the existing alternator as a complete back up unit for cross-county trips.

I've been stranded twice with a dead alternator on road trips in the 100. It sucks. My current mitigation plan is my solar system and second battery, but ideally, you'd just carry an entire second alternator. That seems ridiculous, but after being stranded twice in ~7 years I'm about at that point.

This is the route I took. Stock one let me sit at around 290k(idk any alternator specific history before I owned it). I haven't take that spare off the shelf though. Every remanufacturer has a slightly different process, but OEM from Toyota is going to have the highest standards besides maybe getting a high performance company like Mechman to do it(if that is even an option).