Alternator replace? Do it yourself? High mileage...
11-07-2009, 03:35 PM
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Alternator replace? Do it yourself? High mileage...
My car has high mileage over 200k and i'm wondering if i should consider replacing the alternator so i don't get stranded somewhere. How long is the alternator supposed to last? Can i replace it myself easily? How much would a shop or dealership charge for this?
Do i just wait till this breaks, or do i do preventative maintenance and replace it now? Thanks.
Do i just wait till this breaks, or do i do preventative maintenance and replace it now? Thanks.
11-07-2009, 04:27 PM
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Changing it won't hurt or help you if you're not having problems with it. My vote is on waiting until you have trouble with it, but it is your car.
You can definitely change it yourself if you're a little bit mechanically inclined. If you can change your belt, you can change the alternator. I have no idea what a shop would charge, but I wouldn't even consider them. Just get a few wrenches and DIY.
You can definitely change it yourself if you're a little bit mechanically inclined. If you can change your belt, you can change the alternator. I have no idea what a shop would charge, but I wouldn't even consider them. Just get a few wrenches and DIY.
11-07-2009, 04:59 PM
#3
I think you should change it when you hit 300,000 miles.
Your car does have a lot of miles at 240,000 but is only six years old with a lot of highway mileage.
That is easier on the engine and components than say another car with 12 years, 150,000 miles but mostly city driving.
When are you scheduled to hit 300,000 miles?
I still think that alternator has more life left if most of your mileage has been easy highway mileage.
Your car does have a lot of miles at 240,000 but is only six years old with a lot of highway mileage.
That is easier on the engine and components than say another car with 12 years, 150,000 miles but mostly city driving.
When are you scheduled to hit 300,000 miles?
I still think that alternator has more life left if most of your mileage has been easy highway mileage.
11-07-2009, 08:02 PM
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Well so far it hasn't given any signs of failure so it might still have some time left. I also wanted to replace the drive belt as well so perhaps it is smart to do these 2 together.
I have a question about the drive belt and/or tensioner. The manual diagram shows you when the belt is in or out of proper range. However the technical service manual shows this range as slightly different. Which one is correct? If i go by the downloaded technical manual, then my drive belt is perfect dead center. If i go by the regular manual then my belt is at the very outer edge and basically out of adjustment. Anyone understand what i mean or what the real range is supposed to be?
Basically there is a raised part and an indented part. My arrow is at the exact center of these 2 indicators. But the sait manual only uses the left part for reading the tension. Very confusing. Wish i had helm's book.
I have a question about the drive belt and/or tensioner. The manual diagram shows you when the belt is in or out of proper range. However the technical service manual shows this range as slightly different. Which one is correct? If i go by the downloaded technical manual, then my drive belt is perfect dead center. If i go by the regular manual then my belt is at the very outer edge and basically out of adjustment. Anyone understand what i mean or what the real range is supposed to be?
Basically there is a raised part and an indented part. My arrow is at the exact center of these 2 indicators. But the sait manual only uses the left part for reading the tension. Very confusing. Wish i had helm's book.
11-08-2009, 07:36 AM
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Ok thank you. Maybe this will help someone else later on too. So my drive belt is ok, the arrow points right where these 2 meet. Good news.
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