Quick questions: Alternator life expectancy? Effect of battery condition on Alternator? ...
#1
Quick questions: Alternator life expectancy? Effect of battery condition on Alternator? ...
Also, I searched the forums and noticed many people are changing their "Voltage Regulators" out.
Is this the typical fix for a failing alternator, or is it usually replaced? I understand there's also brushes inside that can wear out, as well as other parts.
My car has 118K miles on it, and I'm due for a new battery. Trying to figure out if it's time to address the alternator?
Thanks!
Is this the typical fix for a failing alternator, or is it usually replaced? I understand there's also brushes inside that can wear out, as well as other parts.
My car has 118K miles on it, and I'm due for a new battery. Trying to figure out if it's time to address the alternator?
Thanks!
#2
My 5KCSTQ was sent out to pasture with 330K miles. Voltage reg was replaced once...
as the brushes were worn. This was a $30 part as opposed to $$ for the entire alternator. My alternator charged just fine and made no complaints. I would not concern yourself so much with the alternator itself.
my $0.02,
Mark
my $0.02,
Mark
#4
Re: the voltage regulator has new brushes on it!
If you google "bosch alternator voltage regulator" some parts house will have a picture of the "regulator assembly.
A bit of plastic with two carbon brushes and an "electronic component", the regulator.
If you need one for a face lift model, I have an extra after ordering the wrong part for my 1999. ;-(
On inspection of the unit fitted to my car, with 130k miles, it looks that the brushes are about 75% consumed. I would have replaced the regulator/ brush assembly if I had one in hand when the alternator was out for the oil cooler service.
Regards
Cal
A bit of plastic with two carbon brushes and an "electronic component", the regulator.
If you need one for a face lift model, I have an extra after ordering the wrong part for my 1999. ;-(
On inspection of the unit fitted to my car, with 130k miles, it looks that the brushes are about 75% consumed. I would have replaced the regulator/ brush assembly if I had one in hand when the alternator was out for the oil cooler service.
Regards
Cal
#7
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Re Different take: Alternator life depends upon environment
Audi likes to hang its alternators where crap off the roads can get to them fairly directly. A belly pan helps, but slop can go through the grille openings.
If you live/drive where winter slop or lots of heavy rains leave you driving so that the alternator gets bathed regularly, the whole thing can develop interior rust. Just a little finger of rust can take out the wire windings. And it raises havoc with bearings and bushings. I get maybe five years out of an alternator on Rust Belt roads awash with ice-melter salt until it's in a condition to require a rebuild.
If you live/drive where winter slop or lots of heavy rains leave you driving so that the alternator gets bathed regularly, the whole thing can develop interior rust. Just a little finger of rust can take out the wire windings. And it raises havoc with bearings and bushings. I get maybe five years out of an alternator on Rust Belt roads awash with ice-melter salt until it's in a condition to require a rebuild.
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#8
Funny, on the way home from work the wifey called asked what the "cute" little battery icon meant
so i put it up on the lift dis morning and I could swear its orginal one.I'm sure its had a regulator put in its 267k history.For 1/16 the purchase price of the car it will get rebuilt by the A mish folk.Its ashame its not interchangable with the v6 cars.
#10
Re: the voltage regulator has new brushes on it!
Do you still have the facelift regulator? If so let me know, I would like to buy it from you. My alternator on my 2001 A8L is only putting out 13 volts. I have to get a jump to start car if it sits for more than a few days. I am not getting a battery light yet. But I dont think that it is charging the batter fully.
Darren
auditechni@yahoo.com
Darren
auditechni@yahoo.com
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