Alternator - what mileage did yours go out?

[T4RSportGrl]

Hello, I'm at about 85k on my 4th Gen, and can hear among the serpentine belt, what sounds like bearings going out - right now, I'm thinking it may be the alternator - but I've had no symptons of it acting up, just the sound right now.

When, if at all, has yours gone out? (what mileage?)

Thanks all!!

 

[Gatafly]

123k and no problems. Are you sure it is not the belt tensioner pully bearing? Mine is just starting to make a little noise and will be replaced soon. They only cost about $20.

 

[T4RSportGrl]

Gatafly, thank you - that might be it. I need to do some more listening, using something like a stethoscope. Fingers crossed...

 

[BPo001]

Mine crapped out in the 70k range

 

[wadle5]

123k and no problems. Are you sure it is not the belt tensioner pully bearing? Mine is just starting to make a little noise and will be replaced soon. They only cost about $20.

What exactly does this sound like. Mine has 86k miles on it and just recently started making what sounds like a loose/old belt?

 

[Chrisygirl17]

I have made it to 219k with out having to replace it

 

[Bob J]

97K and so far so good.......

 

[aha2988]

155,000 lots of mud and water crossings still charging and spinning fine.

I have had to replace my idler pulley and tensioner pulley's due to bearing failure just recently though.

 

[Gatafly]

What exactly does this sound like. Mine has 86k miles on it and just recently started making what sounds like a loose/old belt?

Like a loose belt until it warm up or you rev it and it quits. The bearing sound won't quit though.

 

[MikeInNH]

I haven't replaced an alternator since the 80's. And that was on my 84 GMC S-15.

My 2 Pathfinders since then went well past 300k miles with original alternator. My wifes 2 Accords went well past 300k miles on original alternator.

My 05 4runner has over 230k miles and wifes 07 Lexus has over 120k miles...both have original alternator.

Most alternators these days last the live of the vehicle.

Adding to this.....

Offroading and upgrading sound system to several hundred watts....then that may have an effect on how long an alternator will last. I don't do much off-roading...and the only upgrade I did to stereo was upgraded to HD.

 

[LobstaMobsta]

I haven't replaced an alternator since the 80's. And that was on my 84 GMC S-15.

My 2 Pathfinders since then went well past 300k miles with original alternator. My wifes 2 Accords went well past 300k miles on original alternator.

My 05 4runner has over 230k miles and wifes 07 Lexus has over 120k miles...both have original alternator.

Most alternators these days last the live of the vehicle.

Adding to this.....

Offroading and upgrading sound system to several hundred watts....then that may have an effect on how long an alternator will last. I don't do much off-roading...and the only upgrade I did to stereo was upgraded to HD.

You haven't owned any domestic vehicles! I replace between 5-10 per month on gm Ford and Chrysler cars and trucks!

 

[LobstaMobsta]

But on my TOYOTA! I'm at 156k on my original alternator

 

[blk-4runner]

mines crap out on me at 36k miles, don't know if its due to the dual battery (group 31) or the mud from Hollister Hill.

 

[97hb]

Have 253k so far so good on the charging system. I also have a kicker 600.4 pushing subs and two Kenwood amps pushing mids and highs. Probably a good 650w RMS. Gone thru about 3 batteries so far, stock Panasonic and two cheapo Walmart everstarts!

 

[Burt]

At 87K with no noises/problems. I've had to replace alternators on previous Ford's and Sub's, no big deal. Easy and cheap fix compared to other repairs.

 

[dgwood12]

123k and no problems. Are you sure it is not the belt tensioner pully bearing? Mine is just starting to make a little noise and will be replaced soon. They only cost about $20.

I have a ticking noise coming from my belt. Is that the tensioner pully bearing or the actual belt? Also, where do you get a new pully for $20? I thought they were around $100...

 

[Gatafly]

I have a ticking noise coming from my belt. Is that the tensioner pully bearing or the actual belt? Also, where do you get a new pully for $20? I thought they were around $100...

Have not heard a tensioner make a ticking noise before so can not tell you. Rock auto is a good place. This link is for my '04

2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Tensioner Pulley

 

[BOSMECH]

About 113,000 for me and its easy to change.
2003 V6 SR5

 

[MikeInNH]

You haven't owned any domestic vehicles! I replace between 5-10 per month on gm Ford and Chrysler cars and trucks!

You're correct....The last time I owned a domestic vehicle was the last time I had to replace an alternator.

 

[radlynx]

Finally, my alternator died that is why i'm posting now. it died yesterday at around 87000 miles, the battery light in the dashboard is not turning off when the car is running. i got a rebuilt one from Autozone, duralast for around $125 plus $27.00 core charge plus tax. I checked in the dealership and their alternator is $517.00.

replacing it is not that bad. it took me 6 hours though, carefully cleaning things out as I remove things. the old one seems to be rusted in the electrical connection and still rotating and stops quicker than the new one, maybe the bearing is failing. For anyone out there with really old alternator, if it fails, i would recommend to replace it and get on with your life and enjoy driving again. you're pretty much is replacing everything on it, including the bearing and stuff.