Kozy

The alternator in my '97 is on its way out. It's registering just a shade over 12 volts when the car is running. And I have no power steering leak that could have destroyed the alternator either. This leads me to believe that I can replace the brushes and not the whole alternator.

Has anyone done a write up on this job? I couldn't find instructions anywhere online. Honestly not even sure where (other than a dealership) to buy the brushes either.

Yamae

Denso alternators for UCF20/21:Toyota P/N 27060-20170, 27060-20190 use a brush holder 021620-3001(Denso's P/N). Search the Net using keywords "021620-3001" and "Denso", and you can find sellers. The brush holder contains 2 brushes and costs $10-20 depending on sellers.

The replacement is rather an easy job. After removing the rear cover of the alternator, unscrew 2 bolts that hold the brush holder. Then you can pick up the old one.

MngreLMatt

Also consider that the slip rings that the brushes contact are also beyond their service life at this point. A little bit harder than just replacing the brushes but at this age it is almost a guarantee that they are heavily worn. If you're going to be in there already, I like to replace as much as my budget and common sense allows.

Good luck

Matt

fixmiester

It would be a good idea to have the alternator tested first; it could be the regulator, or the diode pack. It's easy and free. I have replaced the brushes, but they weren't really worn; it was because I had assumed that I had an alternator probably, when it was actually a battery problem. A few years later, I did have an alternator rectifier pack fail, and decided to just buy a new one, rather than spend all the time and money to completely rebuild the old one. But first, take the time to diagnose the rear issue.

Kozy

Thanks for the part numbers! Saved me the research to find them.

As of this morning, I now believe my car is slightly possessed. Yesterday, while driving down the highway, the battery light on the gauge cluster started to flash on and off. Did so for a few minutes before staying on solid. That is when I tested the output of the alternator and got the 12V reading. This morning, however, I started the car and the battery light is off completely and never turned on at all during my 40-minute commute. I really hope I don't have a bad ground somewhere that will take eons to track down.

How do I test it "easy and free" without taking it off of the car?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Go to autozone and they will check the battery and alternator for free.