Hey everybody my lexus is almost getting to the 150k mark, I'm at 148K right now and my Alternator's Regulator has gone bad. I was wondering if an AutoZone Alternator would be a big difference from an OEM Alternator ? AutoZone sells its for $164 and and OEM one would run me about $414 from Swell. Which way should I go? I go to school and am on a tight budget, just wondering what your guys opinion would be. Thanks for any help in advance.

 

I don't know much about alternator but i would go OEM if 400+ install can get you another 150k it's worth it. Btw, how do you know the alternator is bad? I'm at 160k so maybe something I need to worry about....

 

do the alternator test (local auto parts store) and you'll know. I installed O'reilly alternator and it work great. OEM alternator is just hit or miss so not warranty you'll get another 150k

 

Thanks. What was the signed that you had when you replaced your OEM alternator? What was the estimated mileage when you replaced your bad alternator?

 

Also remember that autozone offers a lifetime warranty so if it ever goes out on you again just take it back and get another one. I also know this works from experience as I took my Integra out for a drive about a year ago and the alternator went out shortly after. I took that baby out went to autozone and got a new one free of charge.

 

first, it has bird sound for a while and one beautiful day my car barely make home due to alternator barely supply electric for car to make home (navigation out, etc...)

 

yeah, was about to say same thing. BTW, i replace my alternator about 85k now 123k and still good, just tested it last week at O'reilly.

 

ok, wow, and only 80k + miles? i hope mine will keep going with double the miles. i'll keep this in mind, thanks!

 

If you are on a tight budget I would not buy OEM.

 

Okay here is what I am going through with my alternator, I have posted earlier but have no idea where it is. So as its stands. Lexus is hour away so I have to use Toyota. They always screw up and I have to

I have to replace the alternator with toyota. Part is 440.00 Rm. Labor 300.00
So I call my guys at Lexus theirs was $350.65 for RM
add 300.00 for labor.

So I asked for aftermarket part. 193.00 so my total went from 740.00 to 440.. Which Im good with.

They did find my drivers belt tensioner going bad?
and my Idler pulley.
Parts 86.00 and 78.00 Labor 2.00?Two hours to change a belt and pulley?

So not bad for the part.. But 2.00 hrs??? Your thoughts?
So total labor 4 hours to replace all. 400.00

 

i change my supreme belt in less than 15mins.

 

The alternator on these cars are tough to remove and install because of the bracket behind the alternator. They are really hard to reach and remove. 2 hours sounds fair to me. It took me over 4 hours to change it the first time I ever removed it on my 250. I also got one with lifetime warranty from O'rielly's.

 

Okay so the alternator has been changed out. No worries on the time/labor. Though the drivers belt tensioner and idler pulley they had it down for 2 hours labor. And that does not take that long. I ended up with an alternator from O'reilly's had to go pick it up myself otherwise I would still be waiting. I am taking the rest of the work to Lexus now that I can drive.
When they took out the alternator they mentioned the power steering had a leak. And that shorted it out. Prior to taking the car in for the alternator I had appointment for the whining noise which I I thought was PS..

But they stated the Pulley and drivers belt..
I had the timing belt, water pump, thermostat and other belts replaced Nov 2013 90,000 maintence.

So what do you think could be the real culprit with a whining sound as I accelerate.. Thanks

 

Power steering had a leak!!?? I would suspect the valve cover leaking oil instead of power steering. I thought these cars had electrically assisted power steering, so nothing to leak from the steering. Did they check your water pump? You may want to try another mechanic with a stethoscope who can better identify the noise you are hearing.