Alternator questions - Australia

[unkit]

Thanks for all those people who have helped me out in other threads.

It seems like my alternator is on its way out. (alternator light, that still sometimes comes on even after I cleanded the contacts and changed the battery terminals)

I was wondering how much i should expect to pay for the alternator and the fitting.

Will an alternator out of a GEN 4 be the same? (Considering its still a 5 sfe?)

Also, should i go for: second hand, refurbished, new.





I bought a camry because it was supposed to be reliable. Not because its powerful. It seems to be costing me quite a bit, so i'm probably not going to keep it for very long, and would like the cheapest option. I do need reliability though, so i'll only go for second hand if alternators are an infrequent problem.


Sorry to go on, but just one other question, Say my engine dies tomorrow, whats involved in the 3l swap? is it same mounts etc, or is it more involved? I searched through the threads, but i couldn't find a direct answer.

[touringcamry]

In the US, a rebuilt alternator for 5S-FE is about US$200-250. A new one is about US$50-100 more. This is for the alternator only and does not include labor if you're not installing it yourself.

I can't help you out with the currency conversion or tell you what you would pay in Australia though.

[unkit]

Wow. Thanks for that. I think its pretty much the same here $ for $ then. I only got 1 quote so far, and that was $400 fitted.

[Kep]

Before you buy it check the diameter of the pulley. I got one that was smaller than the existing one on my car and had to swap them out. It would have been a lot easier if they were the same size. It shouldn't happen but it did and it is an easy thing to compare before you leave the store. Of course, if you have a mechanic do it he will take care of this.

Kep

[renmike]

I can confirm, the alternator runs at least $200 usd with the core charge (of course that 50-60 bucks is subtracted when you bring the old one in). If you're proficient enough, you could take the alternator off in the parking lot, bring it in, they won't charge you the core and then you could confirm the size of the pulley. The 4 cylinder alternator is very easy to swap out. Just remember to disconnect your battery before any wrenching

[-=]KaiN[=-]

alot of times in the trucks and camrys i have been able to replace alternator brushes and holders, and bring an old alternator back to life. Brushes are much cheaper like 20 us dollars. With the car running gently tap the center of the rear of the alternator with a hammer and have someone watch the charge light....If it goes off put brushes in it if not go ahead and replace the unit. Just trying to help you get fixed a little cheaper.

[dc_98_cam]

for bargain prices .... find an alternator/starter rebuild shop. They might be able to tell you exactly which part is wrong with the defective unit ... replace it. This is what I used to do with older GM alternators .... haven't had the opportunity to try it with Toyota unit.

[-=]KaiN[=-]

Originally Posted by dc_98_cam

for bargain prices .... find an alternator/starter rebuild shop. They might be able to tell you exactly which part is wrong with the defective unit ... replace it. This is what I used to do with older GM alternators .... haven't had the opportunity to try it with Toyota unit.

toyota starters arent hard at all, alternators aren't to bad depending on what you have to do. Diodes kinda suck to put in cause you have to solder them, but mostly pretty easy stuff, and toyota is a good enough company to make all the parts available. I rebuilt my wifes starter for less than 100 bucks, cant buy a new one that cheap.

[unkit]

Thanks for your help guys. I'm not gutsy enough to do it myself... I would probably end up screwing something else up.

I only try DIYs on things that don't affect the running of the car till now. But your answers helped me get a better quote.

I can get my own alternator reconditioned and fitted for $280 AUS 12 month /20 000km warranty, or $230 3 month/500km warranty. Which would you guys recommend?

Thanks again for your replies.