[muminiasty]

Where should I buy new alternator? What brand should I look at? When I looked online it said alternators price and also core price. I'm not sure what core piece is. let me know. Thanks

 

[muminiasty]

Camry 97 V6

 

[hill8570]

Any dealer or auto parts store will sell remanufactured alternators. The "core" means your old alternator -- they want it so they can remanufacture it and sell it to someone else.

My personal preference (unless the windings are fried...pretty rare) is to have a local electrical motor shop rebuild the alternator -- better chance the job wasn't rushed.

 

[JohnGD]

Usually the first thing to go are the carbon brushes. These come in a replaceable assembly about $20. Otherwise go to your local NAPA parts store get and their rebuilt. You don't have to pay shipping and you hand them the old alternator (the "core" so they can rebuild it).

You can buy Denso, Bosch, or Delco alternators for about $180+shipping and return shipping for the core. That's why it's often better at your local NAPA. It's easier on warranty claims (usually 3 years+).

 

[sljorge]

I just bought a lifetime warranty AutoLite remanufactured alternator from Checker/Riley for $140. They took my old one as a 'core', otherwise you pay the core charge of $40.


Not sure of the quality yet, but you can't argue with lifetime warranty. I put the receipt in the glovebox for safe keeping.

 

[hill8570]

I just bought a lifetime warranty AutoLite remanufactured alternator from Checker/Riley for $140. They took my old one as a 'core', otherwise you pay the core charge of $40.

Not sure of the quality yet, but you can't argue with lifetime warranty. I put the receipt in the glovebox for safe keeping.

I disagree -- there's no substitute for quality (otherwise we'd all be buying Hyundais because of their kickin' warranty). I learned this lesson after watching my dad take back the family car every few years to Midas to get the POS "lifetime warranted" muffler replaced yet again.

 

[muminiasty]

I believe alternator was never changed in my Toyota. The only reason I want to change it is because bearings in the pulley wheel make high pitch noise. No it is not a belt . When it warms up noise disappears but it bothers me when I start it up. Can I just change the pulley wheel?? Or maybe bearings are deeper inside.

 

[sljorge]

OOPS!!! My new Autolite alternator just died after only a month! Replaced for free. I'll keep you posted.

 

[JohnGD]

That's interesting. From what you describe I'd say it's a slipping belt (either loose belt or high alternator drag, i.e., bearings). But if you're sure that's not a loose belt, then for the work of replacing two bearings and the brush assembly, plus double checking the diode/regulator you might as well get a rebuilt.

I'm personally not sure about anything "Autolite", but in general Autozone's gotten better over the years. I'd look at Denso rebuilt, Bosch new/rebuilt, or NAPA.

http://www.boschautoparts.com/Products/AlternatorsandStarters/PP100NewAlternators

I believe alternator was never changed in my Toyota. The only reason I want to change it is because bearings in the pulley wheel make high pitch noise. No it is not a belt . When it warms up noise disappears but it bothers me when I start it up. Can I just change the pulley wheel?? Or maybe bearings are deeper inside.

 

[sljorge]

This was a new reman from Autolite. Should have been new bearings as well. They tested it at the store and it was only putting out 12.5V vs. the >14V in the spec.

 

[Kevin89AllTrac]

Denso sells rebuilds online for $194.

'97 V6 alternator

I've used Denso rebuilds in the past and have never had one fail. I can't say the same about auto parts store rebuilds. A lifetime warranty on an alternator that fails once a year isn't worth much to me.

 

[JohnGD]

I'd stay away from Autolite.

This was a new reman from Autolite. Should have been new bearings as well. They tested it at the store and it was only putting out 12.5V vs. the >14V in the spec.