"SoCalMike" <Mikein562athotmail@hotmail.com> wrote
> Elle wrote:
> > "butch burton" <spacetrax@wi.rr.com> wrote
> >> I am a big believer in PM - so what kind of PM do you
do
> > on an
> >> alternator?
> >
> > What do you (anyone?) suggest for alternator preventive
> > maintenance?
> >
> >
> i imagine the brushes might be able to be replaced,
somehow.

This sounds like a good "exploration" project for when my
current alternator hits 80k miles or so of usage, like this
summer. I certainly remember seeing a lot of posts at the
two honda newsgroups about DIY-ing the brushes.

> maybe the
> diodes or rectifier or something?

I see from the parts sites and my Chilton's that there will
be both a regulator and a rectifier assembly (I know;
"duh"), each of which is well over $100. Whereas the whole
alternator (rebuilt?) goes for under $200. From other
evidence, I'm betting it's rebuilt, and the only new items
on it are new brushes and bearings.

A quick google search turns up some sites saying regulator
failure is the main reason alternators fail. But many other
sites say the brushes wear down too short, and worn brushes
are the main cause of alternator failure. Some sites and
newsgroup folks mention lives of around 80-100k miles for
brushes. Of course, there must be a guesstimated time limit,
as well.

I see brushes (two) and bearings (front and rear) go for
about $6 and $16, each, respectively, at the usual online
OEM honda parts sites. So I'd like to see if I can locate a
shop, along the lines of what T L says, that sells these.
Again, as an exploration; for fun and learning.

My original alternator died (or parts within it died) at
106k miles and 8 years. I don't know whether they put in a
remanufactured alternator or a whole new alternator, but
I'll ask what my current local dealer does next time I'm
there.

All comments read, Butch Burton, TL and Mike. Thanks for the
input.