The alternator on my 98 civic went at 190000kms.  However, had I been a
little more mindful, I could have reduced the cost of the repair.  The
alternator had been making a noise for quite some time already.  

The reason I say PM is important is that the bearing on my alternator was
shot (you could hear it on startup, and feel it when the belt was off the
pulley), and the belt was originally overtightened (maybe thats why it was
shot).  Because it was shot, my theory is that the alternator shaft was off
center, and the rotor started digging into the stator assembly, making the
original alternator unsalvagable. (The stator is the copper wiring on the
outside of the rotor, and it costs like $100-150 to replace).  So had I not
been lazy and done the bearings especially, and the brushes (since I was in
there already), I coulda saved some money.

Brushes are $5 from any auto electric place, and $10 from Honda.  And the
bearings can be gotten at any reputable bearing shop, for about a buck or 2 a
piece.  Get the good german ones, not the shitty chinese ones. (just an
opinion on the bearings, I have no imperical evidence to show one is better
than the other).

What I ended up doing was going with a used Denso/Mitsubishi (OEM) alternator
from the wrecker for $90.  Came with a 30 day warranty, and only had
118000kms on it, so it should be good for a while.  Has been for the last
45000kms or so.

t

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)