alternator for my car
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Brand quality auto Alternator: Top manufacturers
AUTODOC Bestsellers: Alternator at a good price
Car Generator : which brand is better?
According to our customers, the best spare parts in the auto Alternator product category come from the following brands:
- RIDEX
- AS-PL
- CV PSH
- BOSCH
- HELLA
Auto Alternator: how much does this product cost?
The price of car parts within the auto Alternator category ranges from £87 to £289, depending on the vehicle type, manufacturer, and product specifications.
Alternator from 87 manufacturers at prices from 87£ to 289£
The bestselling products: | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
66021507 | DAN521 | DRA0182 | DRA3655 | 439845 | LRA02910 |
From popular manufacturers: | |||||
RIDEX | AS-PL | CV PSH | BOSCH | HELLA | VALEO |
For popular car brands: | |||||
BMW | VW | MERCEDES-BENZ | AUDI | FORD | VAUXHALL |
Alternator – technical details: | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alternator Charge Current [A]: | Belt Pulley Ø [mm]: | Pulleys: | |||
55 | 75 | 58 | 60 | without belt pulley | with multi-belt pulley |
100 | 95 | 60,5 | 52 | with freewheel belt pulley | with V-ribbed belt pulley |
180 | 70 | 59 | 56 | with belt pulley | V-Ribbed Belt Pulley |
Learn more about Alternator - operation method, diagnosis, causes of faults and replacement intervals
A car’s alternator is a device that transforms the mechanical power of crankshaft rotation into electric current. The energy it produces is used to charge the battery and power various electrical devices while the engine is running. In some cars, this unit is also used to start the engine.
Types
- With carbon brushes. These are the most common alternators. In such devices, the exciter winding is mounted on the rotor shaft. The excitation current flows to the rotor through carbon brushes.
- Brushless. These are less common. They are reliable and durable. These alternators have the exciter winding mounted directly on a stator. Electromotive force is formed due to changes in magnetic conductivity of the air gap between the rotor and the stator.
Moreover, the devices differ in size, relative positions of some of their elements, power, and performance.
Apart from conventional alternators, there are combined starter motor/alternator assemblies. Typically, they are installed on hybrid vehicles or cars equipped with the “Start-Stop” system.
Operating tips
After performing any repair job or inspection of the unit, always make sure the wires were connected correctly. Reversing the polarity of connection may lead to the breakdown of rectifier diodes and voltage regulator. Remember, if you disconnect the alternator from the battery while the engine is running, this may damage the vehicle’s electrical system. Never try to check if the unit is operable with the help of a spark by connecting the unit’s positive terminal to the car body. Do not jump-start another car while the engine in your car is running.
Keep your engine bay clean. Soiling is dangerous both for the unit housing, as this can lead to its corrosion, and for electrical contacts because they might oxidise. But remember to protect the alternator from splashes when washing the engine, for example, by covering it with a durable plastic bag.
Inspect the drive mechanism regularly. An overtightened belt or improperly installed rollers can cause the pulley bearing to fail prematurely. Remember, the pulley is also a consumable. The car manufacturers specify its service life in the owner’s manual. Replace the pulley when it ends.
Avoid driving through deep puddles. If there is no other way, try to cross them carefully at low speed. Temperature variations can damage the unit.
Symptoms of malfunctions
Diode bridge faults, voltage regulator malfunctions, torn or loose drive belt almost always lead to the undercharging of the battery. Therefore, if your battery warning light is constantly blinking during driving, you will usually need to check your alternator. If your headlights are dim and the horn sounds rattling while the engine is running, this may also indicate malfunctions of the unit. You may notice specific humming from under the bonnet in case the bearing is worn out. Whistling noise usually indicates that the belt is torn or has oil on it.
Causes of malfunctions
Water or a mixture of oil and dirt getting onto the circuit board of the diode bridge, as well as reversing the connection polarity, can cause the bridge to burn out. Reversed polarity is also dangerous for other alternator parts, including the voltage regulator, which can also fail after a short circuit in the vehicle mains. Incorrectly mounted idlers and tensioners, as well as errors in belt installation, can lead to the pulley breakdown. Brushes fail because of normal wear and tear.
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Useful information on functions, causes of malfunction, diagnosis and replacement intervals
How to change alternator on MERCEDES-BENZ 190 W201 TUTORIAL | AUTODOC Top brands that produce alternator: BOSCH, STARK, SACHS, SKF, VAN WEZEL,...
Step by Step Video Tutorial for Do-it-yourself Auto Repair. Become an amateur mechanic with Autodoc.
Follow these simple recommendations in order to avoid premature breakdown of this component:
- Try to avoid deep puddles or reduce speed before driving through them. Moisture coming to the component can cause its breakdown.
- When cleaning the space under the bonnet, protect the alternator and other electrical components from water with a polyethene film.
- Clean the unit with compressed air during every scheduled engine maintenance.
- Check and adjust tensioning of the V-ribbed belt regularly.
- Use a torque wrench for tightening fasteners.
- Avoid installation of additional equipment to protect the car’s electrical system from overloading.
The first step of checking the unit is to assess its condition visually. Its casing should have no cracks and dents, and its belt should not have critical abrasions and damaged parts. There should be no bent wires and sparks in places of their connection to the terminals.
The next step is to measure the voltage on the battery terminals, for which you’ll need a multimeter. It should be 12,5–12,7 V with the engine off, and 13,8–14,5 V with the running engine and all electrical components turned off. Under the load, with the air-conditioning system, headlights, the heater, and window heating turned on, it should be no less than 13,7–14,0 V.
If any malfunctioning takes place, remove and disassemble the component. You can estimate the wear degree of the brushes by checking their height, and of the contact rings by assessing their diameter. Measure the resistance of the rotor and stator winding and the diode bridge to define whether there is an open circuit. Compare the received data with those specified in the vehicle’s technical documentation.
The procedure can differ for cars of various makes and models. It mostly depends on the arrangement of the components under the hood. For instance, on some cars, the unit can be accessed after opening the hood, while on others – from under a lifted car. Usually, the replacement requires the following steps
- Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
- Remove the components blocking access to the alternator.
- Remove the drive belt.
- Take a photo of or mark the wires to avoid mistakes during reassembling. Disconnect them.
- Unscrew all fasteners and remove the unit.
- Install a new part.
- Inspect the belt and pulleys visually. Replace them if necessary.
- Connect all contacts and install the removed components back to their places
The alternator repair consists of replacing the contact rings and brushes, bearings, freewheel clutch and diode bridge. If you have experience in such repairs, you can do this yourself. Otherwise, seek assistance from a car workshop electrician.
good price, seems to be working as it should