Replace alternator-Buy alternator-HELP NEEDED!

[Jeeping]

Are there any write-ups on how to rebuild a dead XJ alternator?

[Escapable]

Some ravings:
1/ You are getting ripped off!
2/ You can buy a new alternator well under the $400 and a lot less .. shop around (and YES, I am talking about one to fit your JEEP exactly)
3/ Forget the chat about regulators, yours most likely is internal to the alternator anyway and cannot be repaired by the layman without a rebuild.
4/ An auto electrician?? who is a supposedly an expert (who will remain shameless unless your in Blacktown and already know this wanker) said "I will need to change the vehicle wiring to make it all work correctly, they don't know how to build cars these guys".. and of course it will not work that way because the ECU (computer) will shit itself and will never forgive you for changing things (and of course MANY euro cars also work this way, but this guy has never heard of these.
4/ There is more to an alternator then the brushes as most of the failures I have seen are due to field windings and these are a major rebuild anyway - go buy a new one as it is cheaper!
5/ Easy change.. just do it!

[Roler]

Originally Posted by blackie27

hi not sure if any1 has mentioned this yet as cant be bothered reading hole tread but i got mine from www.rockauto.com it is a shop in the states and it was cheeper for me to get mine from there shiped to my door than it was to get it from anywere in aussie.

This. Was about to mention rock auto. Search for your vehicle for alternator, check if Amazon sells that part as well because if they do, your shipment will be about one third of other shipping companies and you will have a new or reman alternator for under $200.

[junglejuice]

Originally Posted by Escapable

2/ The regulator is probably INTERNAL to the alternator and cannot simply be replace by the layman without disassembly.

As mentioned previously in this thread the regulator is NOT in the alternator the PCM (ECU) controls the regulation of the alternator, it is NOT like a "normal" self regulated alternator....

[Jeeping]

Originally Posted by junglejuice

As mentioned previously in this thread the regulator is NOT in the alternator the PCM (ECU) controls the regulation of the alternator, it is NOT like a "normal" self regulated alternator....

So once the alternator fails the only option is to replace the complete unit, you can't replace brushes like with other alternators?

[Escapable]

Originally Posted by Jeeping

So once the alternator fails the only option is to replace the complete unit, you can't replace brushes like with other alternators?

You can replace the brushes and bearings, however as in ANY alternator there are also field windings that are controlled by the Regulator, in Jeeps, this is controlled by the PCM or ECU and not by a normal regulator (allowing appropriate output for the load of the vehicle and not just a guess).
In ALL alternators, simply replacing the brushes and bearings may not solve the problem if the regulation is not working (diodes, regulator, etc), with Jeep this is controlled by the ECU via the 2 wires that deliver the appropriate current from the PCM to the field windings (assuming they are working correctly) plugged into the rear and this excitation of the magnetic field results in the correct output from the alternator to
the system which is then filtered by the battery and delivered to the vehicle supply.
If you have OBD, this will tell you if the field windings have failed however it is always best to replace the whole unit, it will be cheaper and more reliable in the long run.
Note: If you have an external regulator on your JEEP, you are probably experiencing strange dashboard blackouts and other errors (beeping, etc) as the PCM gets very upset with the lack of control... avoid everything that does this, it simply does not work!