preventative alternator replacement/service?
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preventative alternator replacement/service?
My alternator on my 2005 LS430 died around 150k miles (around 2 years ago). Car died on road, only time ever so far except a dead battery once. No clear prior symptoms. My parents in their 2009 ES350, same thing at same miles, but it just set the charging light and we got it in without needing to tow. Brought it to nearby shop. For my LS, replacement with reman was only $500. Pleasantly surprised. Es350 cost far more, over $1000 (more labor?). Both have been fine after some 10k miles, so not trying to get into the OEM/reman debate on this. In my case, it was a fairly urgent repair.
Anyway, no one ever lists alternator as maintenance item but you often read they last 80k-150k miles. I saw a video showing brushes, and they wear! Should it be a maintenance item if you want trouble-free driving? Thinking or my other car (2016 Cadillac XTS), now approaching 100k miles. I actually found a place that refurbs, as in changing brushes or voltage regulator on the original.
Not sure if cost-effective to do maintenance vs replacement in terms of labor being a major expense, but then again, if brushes are the major wear item, keeping the original with updated (OE?) brushes (or diode or voltage regulator) might be smarter, as everyone says remans are hit-or-miss. I suspect OE new whole alternator would be $$$, but not sure.
Has anyone else experienced alternator failure around 150k miles, or when? I think it is worth a discussion. I will probably call the rebuild place and inquire for my XTS. Cadillac prices might be worse, from my first inquiries.
My Lexus is good for now. Everyone talks about Lexus reliability, but older cars naturally have issues and wear, and alternator seems very commonly expected but not addressed other that saying "watch for symptoms". This one stranded me and if expected, could have been avoided perhaps. Reliability matters to me even in an older car, in terms of stuff that can force you to call a tow truck.
Anyway, no one ever lists alternator as maintenance item but you often read they last 80k-150k miles. I saw a video showing brushes, and they wear! Should it be a maintenance item if you want trouble-free driving? Thinking or my other car (2016 Cadillac XTS), now approaching 100k miles. I actually found a place that refurbs, as in changing brushes or voltage regulator on the original.
Not sure if cost-effective to do maintenance vs replacement in terms of labor being a major expense, but then again, if brushes are the major wear item, keeping the original with updated (OE?) brushes (or diode or voltage regulator) might be smarter, as everyone says remans are hit-or-miss. I suspect OE new whole alternator would be $$$, but not sure.
Has anyone else experienced alternator failure around 150k miles, or when? I think it is worth a discussion. I will probably call the rebuild place and inquire for my XTS. Cadillac prices might be worse, from my first inquiries.
My Lexus is good for now. Everyone talks about Lexus reliability, but older cars naturally have issues and wear, and alternator seems very commonly expected but not addressed other that saying "watch for symptoms". This one stranded me and if expected, could have been avoided perhaps. Reliability matters to me even in an older car, in terms of stuff that can force you to call a tow truck.
Last edited by demark1; Aug 4, 2024 at 10:11 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: wa
Alternator replacement? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
Mine failed at ~165K. I consider it as reliable. I will not replace it unless I see sign of issue and won't consider it a preventative maintenance.
Mine failed at ~165K. I consider it as reliable. I will not replace it unless I see sign of issue and won't consider it a preventative maintenance.
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