Alternator, Where, How Much

[123456]

Ok so my alternator isn't working properly (when i have lights on or use brakes with stereo my power steering jolts and my Hicas light blinks, have tried a new battery, no help, battery diagnosing thingo at beaurepaires put it down to alternator) and i don't know what to do.

Should i replace it with a second hand one (if so where do u find these?? Jap wreckers only seem to stock engine and performance parts) Should i get one off another model car (r31 or something?) should i buy an aftermarket one? Should i get one from Nissan ($400ish i think) or get my current one rebuilt ($400ish?)

Also can it be just a cheap part of the alternator causing my problem?

Thx

[R32Big_boy]

new, about 400 for a bosch one.

Or 120 for a second hand one i got one through renew auto just out of dandenong.

[JVP]

get it rebuilt.

theres a place in newport called Melitas.

they do good work too.. and reasonably cheap

[foznice]

did they say what was wrong with the alternator exactly

[R31Nismoid]

Rebuild it with an auto elec

shouldnt cost more than $300 and it will be brand new

[paulr33]

search in vic for "High voltage" it was a problem i had about a year ago or so and reco prices and alterante alternator's to use

[Belsil80]

Seriously, get a hammer and hit it, and it will probably keep working for a fair while. Sounds very Datsun styles, but it actually works well.

[SKYBEE]

take car to auto elec get them to quote rebuid and replacement and bosch unit wich is different make to your hitachi unit

rebuilds arent always the way to go now days

[blackrex]

Before doing all that, take the leads off the alternator and give them a good cleaning, it might just be something as simple as dirty contacts stopping a full charge getting through.

[ABuSD]

Seriously, get a hammer and hit it, and it will probably keep working for a fair while. Sounds very Datsun styles, but it actually works well.

LOL I had a Bluebird with the same problem, always had something in the boot to wack it with

If u decide not to rebuild give Dean a buzz @ UPI 9555 3611 im sure hed have a few lying around.

[123456]

Ohh ok thanks guys, rebuild for $300 doesn't sound bad... Didn't think of cleaning the contacts, i'll try cleaning those and err wacking it with something (my favorite automotive fix.. something i actually know how to do) then if that doesn't help i'll ring the places above.

I would take it to an auto electrician but 2 that i've been to, seem to think it has nothing to do with the alternator (regardless of voltage drops and such) and say my power steering is just shagged, so i'm assuming they don't do imports. I'll post back here with what i ended up doing and the prices, might be helpful to someone else

[ctjet]

Seriously, get a hammer and hit it, and it will probably keep working for a fair while. Sounds very Datsun styles, but it actually works well.

cheapskate backyard repairs ftw!!!!!

[Gazee]

If you pull the alternator appart yourself and take it somewhere they wont charge to removal and refit, they'll do a changeover for the alternator so they give you a reco'd one and take yours for a reasonable price (i think cheaper than $300) or if your game enough take it off and pull it appart and check the brushes if they're worn, a brush kit with the regulator is around $80, but check the coils aswell if they're cracked etc if they area you'll need to get it fully reconditioned or changeover.

Its common for just the brushes to be worn out on alternators causing the charging system to deteriorate. Melitas is good in newport i have a friend that i went trade school with that works there, also theres one in footscray truck car marine that a reasonably priced and wont screw you around.