Gramma_Benz

replaced my alternator in 2007, now 40k miles later, it's failing on me again!

I had two hondas, one for 120k miles and another for 155k miles, neither had their alternator replaced once!

My engine has been great, but every accessory has been replaced. WTF?


P.S.
My Smog Pump just failed too...

loungn14

you try changing out voltage regulator first?

usually from what I have seen and been through, its the voltage reg that goes out.....easy diy..

jturkel

+1

Gramma_Benz

I thought the voltage regulators for C32's weren't replaceable? Like it's an internal unit, so if it goes, you have to replace the alternator anyways?

For me, if I'm above idle, it's charging at 14.0-14.2 volts, but once I'm at idle at a stop light, it drops to 11.8-12.0 and my headlights will even turn off.

Thanks for the advice!

kjb55

Where are you getting your replacement alternators?

Gramma_Benz

My mechanic is getting them, they're Valeo, being rebuilt by Bosch. He said the real Valeo built by Valeo is $100 more and said he cannot find a real Bosch.

kjb55

Contact http://www.aeimich.com/

Ask for Oren and have him advise if Bosch and Valeo were both OEM suppliers for your make and model. If Bosch and Valeo were dual sourced, specify that you would like a Bosch core rebuilt using OEM Bosch components. They are a phenomenal rebuilder. New OEM Bosch units are no longer in current production.

Gramma_Benz

Cool, thanks so much brother!

c32AMG-DTM

Given the bolded comment above, I wonder if it's perhaps just accellerated wear from mods, miles, and/or driving style.

How many miles on your C32? How many miles since you installed the 185 kit?

jturkel

ya....whoever originally said that was super wrong. i can tell you for a fact that YES it is internal...but YES it is replaceable, and quite easily done so. you literally just unscrew a couple screws a swap it out. just make sure u know which model (valeo or bosch) alternator you have so you purchase the correct voltage regulator. i replaced my voltage regulator so i know it can be done

Gramma_Benz

yeah, after talking to my mechanic, I think the 185 definitely helped it wear out a lil prematurely. Been about 3 years on my 185.

Gramma_Benz

OK, Thanks Josh! I'll keep that in mind for next time. Actually, they way it was failing, my mechanic said it def wasn't the voltage regulator.

JonMBZ

I had a C55 with 110k miles with the same alternator ...

c32AMG-DTM

Agree, anecdotally, that seems to be the plausible cause (or at least contributing factor). A minor side effect of making 370+ rwhp.

Beaker

I had my valeo alternator go a couple of months ago after 120k on the clock.

I was getting the "alternator" error on my display for weeks before and the car would charge only intermittently.

We replaced the voltage regulator to no help.. the bearings were rooted and hello $1200 new alternator After reading on here I was 99% sure it was just the voltage regulator that was blown.. bummer.

Not sure if modding mine is the cause... I'd like to think it was just going out after 120k.. don't want to put another in until well after it's sold lol

kjb55

There is no way you spent $1200 for an alternator?!?!?! Whether or not labor was included!

Seriously?

DrewZ9266

it'd be nice if there was a way to underdrive our alts and PS pumps to prevent pre-mature failure due to larger crank pullies.

But if they're failing without the pulley and with the pulley, i'd probably go with a different alternator and so how it works.

my ML320 has the original alt with 162k, C32 is original with 68k

Gramma_Benz

No Kidding, mine was $400 incl. labor...

Beaker

Labour was included. I think it was actually $1090 including labour and that was cheap, the Valeo's retail for $1200 here (saw it with my own eyes on his suppliers price list)

I'm in Australia guys, everything prestige costs more haha

SLS's go for around $500 000 here :P

Beaker

Can I ask where from for next time?

I was looking at importing one from ebay but they were all refurb'd and not much cheaper actually. Take off your labor and even add postage to Australia and it's a lot cheaper than me buying locally.

c32used

+2

c32used

Guys there's a place in Chicago the sell rebuilt(I think) call them at 773-725-8930 they are called Derpol I had a Valeo then got a Bosch...no big deal they require exchange