You may have read in another post about the UJ being torn out of my van & the joy of trying to find a new drive shaft. I found one on Monday & fitted it, went for a test spin & all was good. I almost forgot it was December....
.... The new battery went flat on Monday afternoon meaning another alternator had gone. I wasn't able to price a new or even reconditioned one for less than 380 so knowing I already had a dead alternator from last time in the shed I pulled them both apart to find out whats going wrong. (I have been replacing them every 12 months). I found the problem is that the power steering pump leaks and it sits right on top of the alternator - the oil getting into the alternator eats away a certain part (brushes) & stops the charging. Brilliant design work in other words.
I got a second hand but not reconditioned alternator from the wreckers ($85), some tin snips & a sheet metal 'ant barrier' from Bunnings ($12).
I cut out a little roof so the oil drips off the sides of the alternator instead of into it, cut & drilled a flange so it bolts into the top alt. mount.
I've sourced some replacement alternator brushes for $28 so by next week I'll have 2 spare alternators.
Bring on the next one ...stoopid festive season!
.... The new battery went flat on Monday afternoon meaning another alternator had gone. I wasn't able to price a new or even reconditioned one for less than 380 so knowing I already had a dead alternator from last time in the shed I pulled them both apart to find out whats going wrong. (I have been replacing them every 12 months). I found the problem is that the power steering pump leaks and it sits right on top of the alternator - the oil getting into the alternator eats away a certain part (brushes) & stops the charging. Brilliant design work in other words.
I got a second hand but not reconditioned alternator from the wreckers ($85), some tin snips & a sheet metal 'ant barrier' from Bunnings ($12).
I cut out a little roof so the oil drips off the sides of the alternator instead of into it, cut & drilled a flange so it bolts into the top alt. mount.
I've sourced some replacement alternator brushes for $28 so by next week I'll have 2 spare alternators.
Bring on the next one ...stoopid festive season!