Ok so the bearings on my alternator are starting to make noise and although I still seem to have 14 volts across the terminals, I am worried about it all failing on me.

Is it better to replace just the bearings or given its age, should I just rip the lot out and replace it with something like this:

http://www.minisport.com.au/prod332.htm

Seems a tad pricey??? How much are bearings?

Pricey? that's how much they all cost. What were you thinking they cost? $50?

Good Bosch ones are $250

_________________
Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

I thought the price was fair... Anyhow I can supply bearings for under $10ea if you want (2 required per alternator)

_________________
Andrew@Minisport, South Australia
Ph: 08-8177-1275
Skype: minisport.au

www.minisport.com.au
Minisport for all your mini parts

Hey Andrew... sorry it wasnt meant to be a discussion on price...


I was more wondering if in people's opinion it was worth replacing the bearings now (and running the risk that the rest of the bits in the alternator would need servicing / replacing down the track anyway) or if I should just bite the bullet and replace the whole unit now with a new one.....

Sorry guys...I meant it in the context of, if the only thing wrong with the alternator was the bearings then why replace the whole thing when as it turns out bearings are 1/8th the cost.

hence my question ... I dont like band-aid fixes. If it is just going to have to be replaced down the track, I may as well just replace it now...

I don't see how replacing the bearings is a band-aid fix. There's not many moving / wearing parts in an alternator, so if the rest of it's OK then replace the bearings and get another 20 years out of it

_________________
Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

Geeez tough crowd.......What SGC said!

Hi

Whatever is decided , be safe and clear when checking.

In a non BMC car , i was investigating a similar noise , and due to issues of hearing and seeing between driver and repairer, i ended up losing the top of my finger in alternator pulley.



The good news is the bearings were replaced and it kept going for another 10 years to my knowledge

Changing the rear bearing on most Lucas alternators (the ones with a plastic end cover) is not a fun job.
You need to de-solder the slip ring on the end of the armature, and remove it undamaged before you can get the rear bearing off.
Then, you have to re-solder it on completion.

I bet the pulley is worn U-shaped too...

By the time you muck about I'd just buy a new one.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Sounds reasonable to me. Reconditioning an original Lucas one may cost more.

_________________
DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"