alternator brush replacement
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Joined: Sep 2011
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alternator brush replacement
I recently replaced the alternator on my 1995 F150. Batt idiot light was glowing at me , unless I increased the RPM's on it. Had it checked and I was getting minimal charge out of it.Truck has over 200K on it. I decided to go ahead and pull the gray plastic plate off the back of it, which I discovered held the brushes. One was worn down really far, and the 'rotor' inside that it rode on had a fair amount of dark color on it, like it wasn't getting good contact. If I could buy just the brush assembly is it worth doing that?
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Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Fullerton, CA
There is more electronics to an alt. than just the brushes. There are diodes that regulate the flow of power and maintain the output to 13.5 to 14 volts. I would look locally for an alt. rebuilder and have your rebuilt. I've seen brush kits on e-bay for under $20 if you still want to try it. Rebuilt alts. are $85 to $150 on line. Good luck
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Joined: Sep 2011
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Well, I need to clarify matters here. The new replacement alt works just fine.Since the $ diff between a brand new and a rebuilt was minimal I went with new. Therefore no core exchange. I could either toss the old one OR tinker around and replace some simple parts. Upon removing the brush holder assembly it was obvious that the one brush was worn rather bad. The area the brush rides on was not a shiny 'copper' look but dark in color. Once I clean that up I figure new brushes could well have this old one back in order.
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Joined: Nov 2012
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Rebuild It
Well, I need to clarify matters here. The new replacement alt works just fine.Since the $ diff between a brand new and a rebuilt was minimal I went with new. Therefore no core exchange. I could either toss the old one OR tinker around and replace some simple parts. Upon removing the brush holder assembly it was obvious that the one brush was worn rather bad. The area the brush rides on was not a shiny 'copper' look but dark in color. Once I clean that up I figure new brushes could well have this old one back in order.
I always make it a point to also replace the bearings as well. Easy enough to do. Hold the brushes depressed against their springs by inserting a straightened paper clip through the bitty hole provided in the plastic brush holder, to allow the rotor's slip rings to clear the brushes when reassembling. Then pull out the clip.
Years back, most of the parts stores stocked a kit containing bearings and brushes; maybe they still do. imp
On a 95 you should be able to buy the kit like was mentioned above. You def want to replace the bearings as well. If you still have minimal output I would check the regulator also.