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I am replacing my alternator after only two and a half years. What gives? It's a $500 repair, and I can't really afford it, having $700 pet bill, tax bill and anticipating replacing tires and brakes this year. Advice?
Replace alternator yourself and save $400. Google a you tube, showing how to do it. Quite easy on most cars. There are a few exceptions.
I am replacing my alternator after only two and a half years. What gives? It's a $500 repair, and I can't really afford it, having $700 pet bill, tax bill and anticipating replacing tires and brakes this year. Advice?
Learn to do alternator and brakes yourself and save enough money on the repairs to pay vet bill.
2004 Silverado hd2500, still original alternator water pump, etc. I got a crack in the radiator (replaced it), 2 front wheel bearings and Brake on pads at 144k. It's now at 156k and going strong.
I find that how long an alternator lasts has no bearing on the make/model of the car, but more to do with the manufacturer of the alternator and the parts they used.
Most alternator failures are due to bearing failures, or diodes burning out. Since you don't know when you buy the car who is using quality parts, it's a crap shoot really.
Some cars have alternators last the life of the vehicle, and some are prone to early failure due to substandard parts, or a faulty design (heat builds internally).
There really is no one blanket statement to cover all of them.
Oh and depending on the vehicle and where it's located, it can be a 15 min repair, or a 3 hour plus repair
A discharged battery resulting leaving something on (lights radio etc.) should be charged first with a external source if possible. Many alternators are not designed to completely recharge a discharged battery.
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