How to Repair Your Own Alternator (With Simple Tools)

Alternators are often scrapped when they could be repaired at home. This video shows you how you can repair a faulty alternator, with a $25 replacement component.

You can buy 'Alternator Repair Kits' and fix your own alternator for a fraction of the price of buying a whole new alternator. Here are some example parts that I would buy in order to repair the problem with the alternator shown in the video:

This is an Alternator from a GM vehicle. The Diode plate and voltage regulator are hidden inside the aluminium housing. If your alternator has the electronics on the outside, it's even easier to fix!

Have you fixed an alternator? Let me know what was wrong with yours, how you fixed it, and any of your tips in the comments section so that we all learn new techniques.

Cheers!
Chris 👍

--------------------

'Random Chris' is a Helvellyn Ltd brand. Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of Helvellyn Ltd, we cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Helvellyn Ltd assumes no liability for property damage, injury or death incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Helvellyn Ltd. recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, open flames, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Helvellyn Ltd, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Helvellyn Ltd. Disclosure: any links in this description may be affiliate links. If you decide to buy some items from them, Helvellyn Ltd may receive a small percentage compensation for having suggested the suppliers to you. (This costs you nothing) As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Helvellyn Ltd only recommends suppliers and products which we believe in, so there is never any conflict of interest.

#alternator #troubleshooting #repair

[jamestodd]

I'm an ASE Master certified auto mechanic with 40 years experience and what you have shown in this video used to be a big part of what a shop technician did as his work but sadly most shops have gone to just replacing the alternator as an assembly. I still repair as many assemblies as I can so that I can get the labor pay rather than spend it on parts.

[ellisc.foleyjr]

Ii'm 78yrs old, I grew up in a era when all things were done like this. you did not replace a part. you repaired it. Generators. Starters. fuel pumps etc. then the throw away era came in and society became a throw away and replace it one. Nice to see its come full circle and there is still the chance to do some good old repair and fix it. to get it going again. Thank you for a nicely done tutorial. and for sharing.

[earlmcdaniel]

Mrs. E here, Thank you! My Dad left me an amazing shop and tools, so there are ladies in the audience. You help me carry on the DIY spirit. A firm Texas handshake to you!

[Mel_Issa_]

Thanks for including us females too! Yes there are some of us out there that are into repairing our own vehicles! And thanks for the info! I’m about to remove my alternator now! Watching this video literally gave me all the information I needed

[goldsbym]

Thank you for the video. Finally someone who repairs the problem instead of replacing the entire alternator. Great work and very detailed instructions. Saved $300 US.

[sashanesterov]

It is very encouraging in our time, that so many people still have hands and brains!

[spelunkerd]

That DIY culture, shared by sailors around the world, is inspiring! In some ways it can be a little frustrating since professional mechanics only rarely fix subunits like this. They favour replacing the whole unit with a warrantied part, to protect themselves from the painful experience of a callback. Ultimately this leads to some difficulty finding small parts, for those of us willing to go through the extra effort. Thanks for another contribution here.

[adinafloyd]

I appreciate this video, and including us ladies who work on our own vehicles. I just bought a new Bosche for my Jetta but I will be repairing the old one. I learned alot from this, thanks again for sharing

[cranklesnacks]

when a new alternator for a porsche costs $2500 now, I believe the days of fixing an alternator are back in style 👍 thanks!

[dennishassler]

I always like mechanics astute enough to actually find the problem and fix it instead of just replacing the entire part. I notice they do this in Mexico, but not in the USA - often, you may be better off with the original part instead of another one that could have other issues.

[terryive]

Ex Motor Mechanic here (retired) and just been quoted £80 to replace diodes & brushes by someone that knows my abilities.
For pin money i strip & repair pressure washers FFS?
I will happily strip mine down and do exactly as you have shown here but for prob 1/4 of that price. Esp having this Vid for reassurance.
Thanks for a pretty well put together vid. Most of it very clearly described.
Nice one Chris.

[snells-window]

Thanks Chris; always good to see someone do it without all the tools of a workshop and explain it well as they go

[johnq]

Thanks Chris I was smelling burning plastic While driving then my battery light came on. You were the only one in all my research who mentioned this fact and that part of the alternator can be purchased for less. You’re great at what you do And a true gentleman . Bless you Chris!

[qwiklok]

Excellent, cut to the chase, sped up to eliminate time, answered in a short well narrated video. Takes the fear out of diagnosis and repair. Boldest confidance for darn sure. thank you.

[jimnoyb]

I have not seen anyone rebuild an alternator since the mid 70's. Didn't know you could even get the parts. Thanks.

[castawaygibo]

I have been doing my own work for 2 years now and wtf man I have saved so much money its ridiculous. My 07 ford ranger has this issue hopefully. I will post a comment after I follow your instructions if this works I am forever grateful and thank you whole heartedly. Cheers

[mikedatiger]

Just ordered a brand new alternator for my F150. But I think I'll keep the old one and try this rebuild. It might come in handy if/when this new one ever goes out

[plumbingstuffinoregon]

Thanks! This was the most informative alternator video I've seen. I pulled the alternator out of my motorhome today, and I'll be taking it to my shop teacher to have him help me out with this as well.

[Dansk]

It's always a good idea to rebuild OEM alternators. Usually an easy job. New aftermarket ones (or worse re-manufactured) are usually never on par with the quality standards compared to OEM. Especially if you own a Japanese/German car.

[johnnyray]

Interesting and informative. Been a mechanic for almost 30 years now and never rebuilt an alternator. Used ones go for $35 to $75 and remans generally $130 - $200 so it doesn't pay to fix them with parts and labor. I am sure there are specialty exotics that It would pay to do this for myself. However, I have never had one I couldn't get for a reasonable price. If it paid to rebuild them I would do it for a living, and you would be my reference material publisher 😁👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻