DavidO06

So, has anyone had to replace their alternator before? I think mine is going out because the voltage stays way low, and i am hearing a growning sound. My '98 has about 110,000 mi. on it and i was just wondering if that was an average life for one. Man...why does everything break at the same time? No problems until now...and i just replaced the compressor b/c the clutch on it went out and messed it up.

PoBoy

I did mine at 88k, but it was because my 4Runner took a drink. Here is a brief writeup I did: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/replaced-alternator-today-3rd-gen-10239/

Bumpin' Yota

swapping out the alternatore is CAKE if you have the FIPK. Changeout time for me was about 10 minutes. Frankly, after it was done I was terrified - the install went WAY too easily for a toyota...LoL.

Stock intake on a 2nd gen and you are going to have a little bit more difficult of a time. But it's still pretty much the same:

1. Disconnect the battery's ground
2. Clear a path to the alternator
3. Unplug the alt and remove it's ground
4. Loosen tensioner move belt off pulley, then remove alt
5. Install new one in reverse order of above.

The fact mine went in so easily still worries me...lol

Mine had to be replaced after 230,000 miles and a LOT of overdrawing from systems over the past 3 years. What finally did her in was the addition of two SVR 75 gel batteries that were lacking charge. They ain't kidding when they say an alt is not meant to charge up a bunch of dead batteries...lol The new one was from Pep Boys and now carries a LIFETIME WARRENTY! They should know better than to do that with MY system...LOL

gwhayduke

I replaced mine at about 200k. I bought one on Ebay last year for $16 and stuck it back on the shelf. I knew I'd need one someday. Genuine Toy alts are EXPENSIVE. Replacing is easy on a second gen. I don't imagine a 3rd gen would be much different.

Ya gotta love Ebay.

What was the name of that guy that rebuilds Toy alternators for higher output?

95_4X4Runner

What about possibly replacing the brushes? I did this for about $5 on the old Supra (w/new OEM brushes), just remove the alt, take the back cover off, and remove two screws, install new brushes, and GTG.


After 210,000 miles I had the same symptoms, low voltage, lights dimming really bad when the A/C clutch would kick in.

gwhayduke

That will probably work fine...as long as your bushings are still in good shape. At 210K, I would bet there is some wear on the bushings.