Volunthai

Hey all, Alternator just went out on my 98 GS400 (160,000 miles). Dealership wants $500 for new part and ~$200 for labor [I'm not going to try to do it myself]. I'd rather order the part online and get a garage to install. So:
1) Why is the part only ~$120 new online from Walmart, etc, is that trustworthy? So much cheaper than the dealership...
2) Is this a fix that any decent garage can do? I've been reading on the forum that it can be tricky to get the GS400 alternator out.
Thanks for your advice.

burteboy

Mr altenator dont be penny wise pound foolish. Its a very important part. Use dealer.

newgsman

iTrader: (4)

I have swapped out alternators on my GS4 a couple of times in my garage. Not a big deal. It's quite easy if you remove the power steering pulley and gain better access from the top. A little more challenging if you try and remove the alternator from the bottom of the car. The only thing you have to be careful about is the connector to the regulator. Sometimes you can pull a wire out when you are trying to disconnect from the alternator.

lextout

they can be had online a denso oem reman for 200$, same as what the dealers use, i got one and works like a charm. had it installed for 70$, if u get one make sure its a denso and get it from a reputable online store such as partsgeek.

kevin3344

If I remember correctly I had mine done at Pep Boys a few years ago for about $500, came with a lifetime warranty. It's the only time I haven't used the Dealer or my Indy for a repair simply because of where it failed in my commute. If it is not a Lexus/Toyota shop I simply don't use them but it's been fine so far.

rgarjr

iTrader: (1)

RockAuto has the Denso reman pretty cheap. They're very easy to replace on the 300, not sure on the 400

lextout

its kind of a pita on the 1/2/3 uz motors, you gotta go from the top and bottom to gain access.

CAKETOWN

iTrader: (7)

Can vouch for the rock auto denso reman alternator.. mine was a good price and works very well. Cant go wrong with denso parts.