I had an alternator go just after the dealer's mechanic overtightened
the drive belt - still in warranty - replaced at no charge.  Killed
another alternator when I drove it with a belt slightly slipping - that
is an absolute no no - burns them up - replace those drive belts.  In
terms of doing something to replace brushes - thought alternators had
diodes and not brushes - but what do I know.

Oh and speaking of health of alternators - a couple of winters ago
watched a good samaritan jump start some lady's Taurus - well sparks
and smoke came out of her alternator - told her to go directly to her
garage - do not turn off the engine.  Jump starting is a dangerous
thing - I always disconnect my battery if I have to do that.

My sum total knowledge of alternators.

i imagine the brushes might be able to be replaced, somehow. maybe the
diodes or rectifier or something? but basically thats just rebuilding it
yourself.

could also take a voltmeter reading before going on a long trip. still,
thats no guarantee, and not really PM, either.

What do you (anyone?) suggest for alternator preventive
maintenance?

I am a big believer in PM - so what kind of PM do you do on an
alternator?

This same thing happened to me years ago - still remember the glint in
the eyes of the AH when I came in the crooks place.  He used a BS
rebuilt in mine.

Dpending on the mechanic's rate and the type of replacement part he used, you
probably did on the high side of OK.

The job takes at least an hour, maybe 1.5 by book time standards.  A Honda
replacement can cost upwards of $215 (according to SLHONDA.COM), aftermarket
I have found to be about the same or more (at least here in Canada for a
Bosch unit).  Bosch offers a 5 year warranty up here, that is probably the
reason for the premium.  You probably don't want the cheaper rebuilts, they
only replace what is broke, and not the items that could be worn.

However, you take your life into your hands anytime you pull this kinda thing.
Understandable if you are in the middle of a roadtrip, it had to be done, but
you should avoid this kind of problem like the plague by doing Preventative
Maintenance.  Mechanics can smell desparation from miles away.

t

I got it changed for $291 US this weekend during a road trip (no time to
compared prices; didn't want the car to break down). Did I get raped or did
I get a fair price? (Austin, TX)