To rebuild or not .(altenator)

[silverhairdeere]

this is my latest problem . started the 1989 gmc i/2 ton 5.7 auto with air and low and behold there is a loud racket coming from the middle to rear of the alternator I'm thinking either brushes or rear bearing (?) still charges good so with the rebuilt ones going for $85.00 and up how hard is it to rebuild one ? after research it appears i have a 105 amp model c130 alternator i really don't have the big bucks for the rebuilt one and the local junk yard wants $30.00 with not much of a warranty . what to do . any one here ever done one .

silver hair deere

[bradrhale]

Delco-Remy CS-130 Type Alternator Service Manual

someone posted this very site just today. i told him it might come in handy to someone. never rebuilt one. have always bought them with a warranty.

[mudseeker]

i have torn a few apart. nowadays they are not made to be rebuilt, so even if you get the case apart and torn down i can't gaurantee that you can get the parts at your local auto store.

[75K30]

If it is charging, then it more than likely is not the brushes. Broken brushes would ruin the field, and you would not charge.
That means that the rear bearing is more than likely the problem.
I have punctured the rear cover (stamped steel) with a punch, and put a small hole in it to inspect the bearing. I then removed the rear of the case to expose the bearing, and replaced just the bearing. Was really very easy, if you have the tool to hold the brushes during the re-installation process.
I believe that bearing ran me a couple of bucks. I also think that alternator is still working to this day.
If worse comes to worse, you just put the case back together and use it as a core. Core charges are the same regardless. I mean, they expect a non working unit right?
Worth the few bucks to try.

[silverhairdeere]

got it off and apart today the brushes were burnt and the rear bearing was dry . the slip rings were only a little woren down but cleaned up nicely , the parts get here tomorrow about $ 15.00 so far . tell me what you think .

silver hair deere

[mudseeker]

wow, i think i need glasses.

glad your able to save some money.

[silverhairdeere]

along with always being broke , i have a very poor camera . sorry i would love to be able to afford to buy a better alternator but can't unless i take money from something else .

silver hair deere

[huffcop]

I know you're low on $$$ but for future reference, my local CarQuest parts store sells reman alternators, usually about a buck per amp. They have a lifetime warranty on their reman units.

I had a 92 GMC and the alternator went south. Bought a reman from them and 3-4 years later, it went bad. Took it back and they gave me another one, no charge.

If you have a CarQuest auto parts store near you, you might give them a try in the event you have to shell out some bucks. Well worth it!

[mudseeker]

in regards to your camera. i have a cheap digital camera also and have found that if you slightly press the shutter button when close to an object, it will refocus and come out clearer. also try to keep the flash off and have a lot of back lighting.

[silverhairdeere]

got new parts installed , polished the slip rings up to a high luster , re soldered the three terminals put it back on . at first sounded like it did but as the brushes got seated in it quited down . after awhile checked and it was putting out 14 amps . saving for family $80.00 plus .

silver hair deere