VR Alternator bearing

[Bourbonated]

Just a quick topic as to if anybody knows the sizes of both the rear end and front end bearings?

I need to get replacements and can't really take the alternator off the car to get them sized at the auto shop.

Thanks

[IBLOWN]

Just get a reco alternator?

[Bourbonated]

True. How long can I run this thing on fubar'd bearings before it causes any more damage?

[wortus]

Just ring up or drop into your local auto electrician and get the bearings off them they will know what ones you need. Also check your brushes while your at it, you can buy these and solder them into your old regulator, much cheaper than a new regulator.
Last alternator I had fixed cost me $30 for 2 new bearings pressed onto the rotor and $10 for new brushes that I soldered in, $40 is a lot cheaper than an exchange unit.

[Bourbonated]

Fair enough, ducking down town later on so I will get the local elec to look at it. A short question relating, though. Last time I tried to jump start a car, my car stalled and I had to take the leads off, restart the car then keeps revs up to keep it from stalling again. Would I be better off getting a refurbed unit in this case?

[wortus]

If you don't have an alternator light on the dash and the voltage accross the battery withthe motor running is within spec (around 14 volts) then the alternator is working OK. I find the brushes wear and while you have it apart for the cost if they are worn replace them as they are more often than not what stops these from working when they wear out and loose contact withthe slip rings.

When you jump started it did you connect the leads properly? (connecting battery to battery from another car can cause damage). Sounds like the battery was just flat, If it stalled it could make it hard to restart. Have you had the battery load tested, perhaps if your going to the auto elec get him to load test the battery as well. If it's stuffed get a good one like an Exide semi sealed they are about $140.00.

[Bourbonated]

If you don't have an alternator light on the dash and the voltage accross the battery withthe motor running is within spec (around 14 volts) then the alternator is working OK. I find the brushes wear and while you have it apart for the cost if they are worn replace them as they are more often than not what stops these from working when they wear out and loose contact withthe slip rings.

I'll have him check it while I am there.

When you jump started it did you connect the leads properly? (connecting battery to battery from another car can cause damage). Sounds like the battery was just flat, If it stalled it could make it hard to restart. Have you had the battery load tested, perhaps if your going to the auto elec get him to load test the battery as well. If it's stuffed get a good one like an Exide semi sealed they are about $140.00.

Yeah, I connected the negative to the desginated earth point on the dead cars motor (It has like.. Yeah.. Just a bit of metal sticking up out of the block). The battery on my car was brand new from the day before, so I highly doubt it was flat, especially since I just returned from a half hours drive.

[VrWagz1]

Yeah exchange units are a rip, and you need to be careful you dont get given a cheap chinees alternator. Any auto shop shoul be able to give you the bearings sizes without to much dramas.

[Bourbonated]

It's all good. Went and saw my local electrician and he is going rebuild it for me on Wednesday for $100. Decent price is suppose. Even though I could just do it myself for much cheaper, atleast this way I have a warranty to go on :P

[VrWagz1]

Thats not to bad if he replaces the reg and brushs too. Ask him if he used a genuine bosch regulator, if he didnt expect the brushs to wear out pre-maturely. But its no biggi.