Dusterbd13
Dusterbd13 MegaDork
11/5/24 7:16 p.m.

Sister in laws 2011 camry has a noisy alternator. Sounded like power steering pump till i got the stethoscope out and it didn't change with wheels, just electrical load. 

Time to get a replacement. 

What ones arent crap? Seems like every one ive bought lately has been hot garbage. 

wvumtnbkr
wvumtnbkr UltimaDork
11/5/24 7:54 p.m.

Yep.  They all seem to be hot garbage.

However, I have had the best luck with new Napa units.

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH MegaDork
11/5/24 8:01 p.m.

I see Denso and Bosch remans on Rockauto, I might be inclined to take a chance with those.

z31maniac
z31maniac MegaDork
11/5/24 8:11 p.m.

Is it worth it to pony up for OE from the dealer? I don't know the price difference, but I do know I hate doing the same job over and over because of failed parts. 

Appleseed
Appleseed MegaDork
11/5/24 8:46 p.m.

Is there a local shop that rebuilds them?

TJL (Forum Supporter)
TJL (Forum Supporter) SuperDork
11/5/24 9:49 p.m.

I put a cheapo in my truck. Fine at first then the regulator freaked out and was sending 18+ volts out. Killed my battery and had to buy another alternator which has been ok. Put a different cheapo in my pathfinder and it seems to be over-charging at times. Saw it flash up close to 16v and has started cooking my new battery. I got a new regulator to try and swap in. 

stuart in mn
stuart in mn MegaDork
11/6/24 6:32 a.m.

Is replacing the bearings in the existing alternator an option?  I looked online and it appears rebuild kits are available.

Dusterbd13
Dusterbd13 MegaDork
11/6/24 7:07 a.m.

In reply to stuart in mn :

Honestly not an option i had considered! Got a link to the kits, or better yet a how to? Ive never rebuilt one 

Toyman!
Toyman! MegaDork
11/6/24 8:14 a.m.
WillG80
WillG80 HalfDork
11/6/24 8:30 a.m.

This is the description of the Denso reman unit on RA. Based on this it doesn't sound like they replace much, if anything. Not even the bearings? I always thought reman alternators were basically new units.  

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