How hard is it to replace an alternator?
04-03-2006, 12:07 AM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
How hard is it to replace an alternator?
I think my alternator is gone since neither one of my batteries will hold a charge. So is it something I can do myself with simple hand tools or should I just take it to Porsche? It wouldn't be just the belt though because it would over heat right? Where can I get an alternator? Do they have aftermarket better ones?
04-03-2006, 03:20 AM
#2
You should properly diagnoise this before replacing parts. How many volts are you getting when engine does run? Have the car jump started or charge the battery w a charger. If the battery doesn't charge with a charger, the battery needs to be replaced. If you start the car and voltage is under 13v, then alternator is weak. Clean up the battery connectors with a battery terminal tool to avoid poor connection.
If alternator does need replacement, I'd probly let the dealer or indept shop do the job. It's probly a job best to do with a lift. I bet they only charge an hour of labor so that isn't too bad.
If alternator does need replacement, I'd probly let the dealer or indept shop do the job. It's probly a job best to do with a lift. I bet they only charge an hour of labor so that isn't too bad.
04-03-2006, 04:51 AM
#3
Instructor
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Wiesbaden, Germany
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by djantlive
You should properly diagnoise this before replacing parts. How many volts are you getting when engine does run? Have the car jump started or charge the battery w a charger. If the battery doesn't charge with a charger, the battery needs to be replaced. If you start the car and voltage is under 13v, then alternator is weak. Clean up the battery connectors with a battery terminal tool to avoid poor connection.
If alternator does need replacement, I'd probly let the dealer or indept shop do the job. It's probly a job best to do with a lift. I bet they only charge an hour of labor so that isn't too bad.
If alternator does need replacement, I'd probly let the dealer or indept shop do the job. It's probly a job best to do with a lift. I bet they only charge an hour of labor so that isn't too bad.
Thorsten
04-03-2006, 10:23 AM
#5
Advanced
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Tampa Bay Area
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just had mine replaced by an independent from Germany. I asked him the same thing about replacing just the regulator, and was told if a wanted a new part, they are only sold together. Since I only had the car for 2 weeks, the dealer was kind enough to pick up the tab for me.
Trending Topics
04-03-2006, 12:58 PM
#8
Racer
Thread Starter
Well I have two batteries. The race battery was in at the time and it started failing after about two miles. ABS went out all the lights went on, etc. Then I put the stock one back in and it was fine. I noticed it was a little low when I got to my destination. I left after a couple hours and the thing was super low this time with the lights on. Barely made it home. Two batteries both now super low. Pretty sure it's the alternator.
So should I buy one and do it myself? What do you have to do? Do you need any special "Porsche" tools?
So should I buy one and do it myself? What do you have to do? Do you need any special "Porsche" tools?
04-03-2006, 01:35 PM
#9
Race Car
Originally Posted by bowmanm98
Well I have two batteries. The race battery was in at the time and it started failing after about two miles. ABS went out all the lights went on, etc. Then I put the stock one back in and it was fine. I noticed it was a little low when I got to my destination. I left after a couple hours and the thing was super low this time with the lights on. Barely made it home. Two batteries both now super low. Pretty sure it's the alternator.
So should I buy one and do it myself? What do you have to do? Do you need any special "Porsche" tools?
So should I buy one and do it myself? What do you have to do? Do you need any special "Porsche" tools?
Check the output of the alternator before replacing. If it is putting out 13+ volts, then it is not the alternator. If you do need to replace, it is a simple task and just like removing one from any other engine. You may even find a shop that will rebuild it for you. Shouldn't take you more than 1 hour to remove and reinstall. The only special instruction is that when you remove the bolts, you have to turn the alternator counter clockwise to clear for removal.
04-03-2006, 01:59 PM
#10
Drifting
04-03-2006, 05:19 PM
#12
Race Car
Originally Posted by bowmanm98
Another thing I noticed was the belt was making a lot of noise right before all this started.
06-01-2006, 06:28 PM
#14
Racer
Thread Starter
Oh yeah, this thread...
BTW I too it to Niello in Rocklin to their new facility and wow I was impressed. They only charged me 2 hours which @ $125 per hour is totally worth it. They quoted me $400 for the alternator though so I got a remanufactured core exchange one for 200 or so at another place. So worth it. They also turned off my airbag light for free and cleared all my codes. The best part is this alternator works better and keeps my dry cell 14lb battery charged to 14amps. That's really good. I can install coilovers, sways, exhaust, but engine stuff is too much for me. I think the job cost me $450 total.
BTW I too it to Niello in Rocklin to their new facility and wow I was impressed. They only charged me 2 hours which @ $125 per hour is totally worth it. They quoted me $400 for the alternator though so I got a remanufactured core exchange one for 200 or so at another place. So worth it. They also turned off my airbag light for free and cleared all my codes. The best part is this alternator works better and keeps my dry cell 14lb battery charged to 14amps. That's really good. I can install coilovers, sways, exhaust, but engine stuff is too much for me. I think the job cost me $450 total.