ENG: Replace your alternator's brushes (brush set)

[Bad_dude]

So, I stripped the screws that hold the brushes in place, though, it looks like they're actually screw-bolts. Does anyone know what size hex-head those bolts take? I tried a 7mm, and 6mm, and didn't seem to get anywhere. Are they actually smaller than 6mm, or did the socket just not seat on the head?

How did you get your stripped screws out?
Any one knows what size these screws are?

Thanks.

[Bad_dude]

So if the alternator is running and producing 14.5V then that is overvolting? That would not be the brushes? It would be the regulator?
I thought 14.5V is normal? 14.8V is the upper limit I think.
So my dash light is on. My alternator produce constant 14.5V with or without load and reving up only up to not more than 14.6V.
So is that a bad alternator? The light stays on? What could that be?
I think you can replace the brush and the regulator without removing the alternator.
Thanks.

[doylna]

Note 1) When viewed from the side, you'll see that one side is slightly taller/different. Sorry, I don't have that picture but you'll see it.

Looking from the top down, the left side is the taller side, and therefore, the right side is lower: See photo.

Note 2) You'll need something to hold back the brushes as you slip the assembly down over the rotor. In particular, you'll notice that there are 2 areas on the rotor, one area for each brush --- with a gap or groove in between. Without something to hold both brushes back sufficiently, the bottom brush will go into the groove, preventing the assembly from seating fully. I used a jigsaw blade, but even that was almost too thick to fit in there. A flatblade screwdriver is definitely too thick.

I used a safety pin opened up. All you have to do is slip the first brush over the spindle, then use the pin to move the second brush back enough to slip it too over the spindle.

[doylna]

So, I stripped the screws that hold the brushes in place, though, it looks like they're actually screw-bolts. Does anyone know what size hex-head those bolts take? I tried a 7mm, and 6mm, and didn't seem to get anywhere. Are they actually smaller than 6mm, or did the socket just not seat on the head?

I ended up removing the whole alternator, after removing the power steering pump.

Removing the power steering pump is very similar - loosen the top 14MM bolt, find the 12mm nut underneath the pump and take it all the way off, remove the left 10mm bolt directly under the pump and lift it out of the way. if you're careful, you won't have to remove the lines from the pump, and you can set it out of the way.

After removing the alternator, I used a #2 Phillips head screwdriver (#1 will strip your screws) to remove the screws holding the brushes in. I came pretty close to stripping my screws but was able to use a hammer and the #2 to recreate the screwhead enough to remove the screws (using a ton of downward pressure to keep from stripping the head again).

[Djmoua]

great DIY... got my worn brush right here...typing with dirty mechanic fingers is bhard...but should i replace this brush before replacing the wholle alt.?? cuz my sympton sounds just llike this where it loses battery voltage...

[doylna]

So, I stripped the screws that hold the brushes in place, though, it looks like they're actually screw-bolts. Does anyone know what size hex-head those bolts take? I tried a 7mm, and 6mm, and didn't seem to get anywhere. Are they actually smaller than 6mm, or did the socket just not seat on the head?

[doylna]

Bumping this thread for when I look to this thread for directions on Thursday night.

Thanks OP!

[blazenem]

i might need to do this soon i will check my out put tomm. yo phat can you still get these?

[wed3k]

IF anyone needs brushes i can get the assembly for like 15.xx and like 60 cents shipping. Sometimes he can get just the brushes for 10.xx but then you have to take the time to unsolder the olds ones, and solder the new ones in.

ill keep that in mind.

[phatdoughnut]

IF anyone needs brushes i can get the assembly for like 15.xx and like 60 cents shipping. Sometimes he can get just the brushes for 10.xx but then you have to take the time to unsolder the olds ones, and solder the new ones in.

[TypeG]

damn, now that i see the brushes on a bigger screen.....damn they were worn. i remember saying i didn't see much of a difference on the camera screen. later.

[phatdoughnut]

i think the helms said anything above 14.7 or something.. And yeah holy moses your brushes were toast!

good times..

Mon Seigneur (my lord) is typically a high-ranking Catholic priest

do i get to molest little kids?

[LinX]

10-4 Ill check my helms.

[deckeda]

whats monsigner? you mean monsieur? nice diy

Monsieur is French for "Mister". Monsignor, although it comes from the French Mon Seigneur (my lord) is typically a high-ranking Catholic priest but in casual settings I sometimes use it to describe any "persons high in rank or power". A term of respect, you might say.

LinX, don't quote me on that narrow range. There is more specific info elsewhere on this site, and more detailed testing. But my readings never budged from 12.2v; that's low --- and low enough to make the battery dash light come on.

With a healthy alternator it'll be a little higher even at idle, and rise to 13.5v or 14.something? when revved. I don't recall what the upper limit is, but if I saw a reading of say, 15v I'd begin to wonder if the regulator was regulating.

[LinX]

The reading from the battery with the engine on is supposed to be 12V<X<13V to ensure a good alternator?