Source for good subaru alternators?

My dad has a 96 subaru legacy, and about 2 years ago the alternator died out in the middle of nowhere in nevada, and we were able to make it into a town and replace it with one from kragens. The alternators have a lifetime warranty, but the belt costs about $25, and the bearings in the 3rd kragens replacement failed today and fried the 3rd belt. I called the dealer, and they dont sell new alternators anymore either. Does anyone have suggestions of where to get a better quality remanufactured alternator? Or maybe carrying an extra alternator and belt is just part of owning an old subaru? lol

Junkyards are your friend. IMO, used OEM alternators are nearly always better than cheap rebuilt alternators.

Bryce

Nashco wrote: Junkyards are your friend. IMO, used OEM alternators are nearly always better than cheap rebuilt alternators. Bryce

I would second this.

I have a spare used alternator that I carry in the wheel well of my Subie (wrapped in an old t-shirt).

Do you have a U-wrench it yard near you? How much are you looking to spend on an OEM used one? I should be able to get one for you but depending on shipping, it would be about $50. They usually give me the belt for free at my local yard.

Nashco wrote: Junkyards are your friend. IMO, used OEM alternators are nearly always better than cheap rebuilt alternators. Bryce

I agree. That is the main reason I sold my shelby charger, becasue junkyard parts were getting too scarce, and the parts store stuff would fail too quick (starter solenoids were the worst). There are lots of junkyards around here, but if someone happened to see one with under 100k miles on it id certainly pay $50 for it.

I work at a salvage yard, and we've got one on the shelf from a car with 108k miles. $45 shipped. 1-800-288-6787, ask for Corey.

I'd say Subaru factory alternator failures are pretty rare. I'd just stock a used one in my garage. I've never had to replace one.

If you do want a rebuilt one I'd shop locally. Most locales have a local rebuilding shop. If it's one of any repute, they probably use good bearings vs the lowest cost ones of the chain stores.

16vCorey wrote: I work at a salvage yard, and we've got one on the shelf from a car with 108k miles. $45 shipped. 1-800-288-6787, ask for Corey.

That's a great price.

The only Subie alt. failure I had is when a 2.2L unit had it's bearing wear out at 195,000 miles. It started to howl like crazy.

Check locally for a rebuilder! Luckily, we still have a local shop that does alternators and generators. More often than not I show up with a bad alternator and he fixes it right in front of me. Usually just brushes.

He still charges me $20 for about 2 minutes work and $3 worth of parts, but it is still the best deal in town.

Next best bet is parts yard/recycler...$35 with a 30 day warranty.

Bruce