DCS

My e-brake and transmission oil lights recently came on.

I did some reading, and learned that this is usually a sign of failed regulator or worn brushes.

Hoping for the easy fix, I bought new brushes, the cheap solder-in kind.

Tonight I pulled the alternator. My instructions said it would have a 3rd wire underneath, but it didn't.

I noticed that the lower brush is shiny, and the upper brush is ugly.

I noticed that the lower contact surface on the rotor is shiny, and the upper one is ugly, almost a notch worn in the rotor.

I chipped the lower brush plucking at it with needle nose pliers.

How do you get the old brushes out?

Should I emory and clean the rotor and install the new brushes? Or, does this thing have a problem?

How do you solder in new brushes? I'm not getting how the brushes come out or reconnect. i don't see a readily available solder point.

Any suggestions?

Thx!

Photos attached: brush holder, alternator sticker, and rotor. I attached the sticker cuz I'm wondering if this is the right alternator.

DCS

51 views and nothing?

I need some alternator & brush wisdom.

Anyone?

Gamefreakgc

I think most people just replace the whole unit. I definitely don't have any experience taking apart an alternator, it may take some time before someone knowledgeable will post.

rustypigeon

On the side of the brush holder opposite of the brushes, you will see two areas where the copper wires are soldered into the holder. They are covered with an insulating sealer, usually orange in color.

Scrape the sealer off the holder, then unsolder the wires and they will come out. Then simply put the new ones in and resolder. You can use liquid electrical tape (available at almost any hardware store) to reseal these areas.

Edit to add photo: The solder area is under the orange sealer...

DCS

Thanks?

What about that black smear on the upper contact area on the rotor? How did that happen? Emory, or contact cleaner and brush?

Thx!

rustypigeon

The black smear is caused by arching of the short brush as it loses contact with the slip ring. The black ring should coincide with the shorter brush on the holder. Emory cloth or steel wool will clean it up.

DCS

Excellent!

Thanks for your help!