Hello,

Happy Spring to all of you. I have a 2002 Lexus RX 300 which about 195k miles on it. I recently had the transmission rebuilt, and the mechanic did a crappy job. I need to take it back to him as it is under warranty, lets hope he honors it.

It looks like I may need a new alternator, I think I may try to DIY with the help of some friends.

I checked Amaz**, EB**, and RockA*** for alternators, and they have TYC, PowerSelect or PureEnergy either new or refurbished, these are about $100-$150 depending on whether it is new w/o a core charge, or refurbished with a core charge (refundable).

Does anyone have experience with any of these brands or recommendations for any other brand/retailer to go with?

Thank you

 

If you are in Austin, I can give you the brush set. You can get the diode pack and if the slip rings are good, you can reconstruct the old alternator.

Salim

 

Thank you Sir, always nice to hear from you. I am not in Houston, I wish I were closer to you!

It looks like I will have to opt for a new or refurbished, but not sure which brand etc. to choose?

The car is just sitting in the driveway I don't want to risk driving it, it turns on and can drive, but I am sure the battery will deplete charge rapidly.

Thank you

 

I just put the TYC brand in mine. Working fine but I'm not sure I'd recommend it.. Seems to be a little noisy. I'm giving it time to settle in. But if it gets worse, it's coming out.

 

Thank you
Did you get it online? If so, are you able to share which vendor?

 

It was an ebay order, just whoever had it. sixityauto is the name of the seller

 

HIGHLY recommend the Denso Reman from RockAuto. Yeah, it costs a little more, but WELL worth it. I replaced the alternators in both my '99 RX and my '02 Highlander two years ago just as preventive maintenance...I don't like to wait until a part fails before I replace it...they worked perfectly, like new. I also noticed subtle improvements like no dimming of the headlights when the brakes are used. I'd stay well away from the "offbrands" you mentioned.

 

Does anyone know the Denso alternator model # for a 2002 RX300? I can't read the label on mine. Is there more than one possibility? 210-0439? 210-0509? Is there a rebuild kit available? Mine has what sounds like some bearing noise but is still working. Thanks.

 

There are two alternators [not sure if they share the pulley size --> belt?] but one is standard and the other is high output. You can visit on line retailers like Bell Lexus of Arizona and punch in your vin to get the right alternator.

I serviced mine with new rectifiers, regulator and brushes. It is very easy to service [I did not need to replace bearings, so cant comment on level of difficulty to remove the bearings]. The only bad experience was that the seller fulfilled partial order and I had to pay a second retailer for shipping for the remaining. Please instruct seller not to sent partial [live and learn for me].

I prefer self service over rebuilt. Buying a new one is way too expensive.

Unrelated but might impact you .... make sure it is the alternator that is making the noise. You can remove the accessory belt for few minutes to mechanically isolate the alternator. In any case, I highly recommend that you remove and bench test [for free] the alternator. Mine was functional but not good enough as a few diodes popped.

Salim

 

Good idea to have it tested. Thanks. Is there a parts breakdown or diagram of the adjustment mechanism? It’s underneath the alternator so I can’t see it. I snapped the short bolt trying to loosen it.

 

It's in the DIY: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...djustment.html

 

Dint overlook the basic setup. Mounting and fastening nut/bolts & adjustment. One must loosen the mounting fasteners before moving the adjustment nut. Adjustment nut must be loosened to free up tension on the belt.

If done out of order the adjustment mechanism will break off.

Salim

PS: At the end, the mounting bolt/nuts must not be snug when adjustment in tension is done. Then the mounting bolt/nuts are tightened.