94 corolla alternator question

[peiell]

Hi all, I'm a new member of the boards and I'd just like to say hello.

I've got a 94 corolla (1.6L) that had the alternator replaced about 1.5 yrs ago with a rebuilt alternator. It looks like the alternator is failing once again based on the voltage output at the battery terminals of around 11.5 V. I dunno what brand of alternator was put in, but I'd now like to install one that isn't a piece of junk.

Does anybody have a good recommendation for a good rebuilt (ie good quality, good price) alternator? I've read some things on the net that suggest the lifetime warrantied alternators at local autoshops are not the best way to go.

Also, how difficult is it to install your own alternator? I'm not that mechanically inclined, so if it has a couple of tricks maybe it's better to have someone else install it. What kind of tools are needed?

Thanks a bunch,

Jon

[Tercel GTS]

If you really want the best alternator you can have go to a salvage yard and buy a factory original alternator off a 94 corolla and have a local rebuilder replace the brushes and the rear bearing. Ask them to inspect the front bearing and only use high quality bearings such as kbc or ntn. The original regulator is made from far better materials and craftsmanship than any aftermarket and the same goes for the diodes. Nobody on this side of the pacific can wrap a stator as tight as a nippon denso.
When picking the local rebuilder look for a place that has been in business for years. Old dirty parts laying everywhere is a good sign of this. I also recommend that you look for the rebuilders to have some age on them.
Look in the hardcore tech section and see the ultimate stickies thread. There's a link there to an alternator repair showing pictures and details on how to do it yourself.
Use that search feature and look around!