flat6toV8

Hi all..

just changed my alternator in my 1996 ls400 with 146K miles. The one i pulled out looked original. It was only putting out 12.54 volts, which eventually caused my battery to fail. So, I replaced the battery also.

The new OEM unit ( it was reman from Lexus ) was $360 at the stealership. But I needed it tomorrow. Took me about 2 hours to complete from start to finish. The new alternator is now pumping out 14 volts.

Since the dealership didn't require a core charge, what can I do with it? I see some places asking for up to $100 for a core charge.

Jeff

valex

I replaced mine on a 1999 LS last year. I bought mine at Carson Toyota and shipped the old OEM back to them, they refunded $30. A few months after alternator change I had to replace the battery as well - I guess it is the usual scenario.

williamb82

id get it rebuilt for a backup. lots of places rebuild alts. its prolly just a bad regulator circuit.

python

iTrader: (4)

good advice william

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

i made a thread a while ago about replacing the alternator brush on the '96 LS, I did it on my car with the alternator still in the engine bay. you could do that for very cheap and then take it to get the alt voltage tested, you have a good shot at it being back up to spec afterwards.

Lazy

iTrader: (2)

If ur near Pomona I could of rebuilt it for u.. Probably like 50-70$ w/ 1 year warranty pushing the same amps.. Brand new parts used to replace it..

python

iTrader: (4)

1 YR warranty? he is going to have it sitting around for longer than that
also that "reman from lexus" is a reboxed DENSO unit....lexus doesnt make any parts

Lazy

iTrader: (2)

Yeah 1 year warranty but they last much longer.. Brand new parts as well..

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

what exactly do you change for $50-70?
Bearings? Regulator? Brushes? Do you solder a sleeve on the brush shaft? Rectifier? Encabulator?

Lazy

iTrader: (2)

Everything that needs to be changed. Bearings, brushes, rectifier, and some cars need soldering after opening it up. If other parts are damaged then those get changed as well but they don't go bad as fast as some of the others.