Preemptive alternator replacement?

2girlsdad

Joined: Aug 20, 2016

Posts: 569

User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

6:31a

At 160k miles on my Tundra, the alternator went out this week (which was a fiasco!). It got me thinking, my wife's 2014 4Runner has 200k miles, and we use it for long road trips (Houston to Gulf Shores in May and Colorado again in December). Is it a good idea to go ahead and replace it before either trip, especially before the winter Colorado trip? Feels we are in the window for it to start falling.

80085

Joined: Sep 13, 2004

Posts: 3,875

User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

6:59a

AG

Id only preemptive replace if you put a new OEM alt in its place

brushes wear so replacement fixes that, but aftermarket regulators are a gamble and you could end up with something less reliable than what you got

5

BrazosDog02

Joined: Oct 17, 2002

Posts: 29,595

User Profile

Private Message

Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

8:44a

AG

The Alternator on my F150 went out at 22 years and 452,000 miles.

No. Do not replace stuff that isn't broken. I had my OEM rebuilt by a good shop. No way I'd put oreilly specials in it.

2

1 edit

fixer

Joined: Aug 21, 2005

Posts: 11,620

User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

9:05a

Either oem or take to an alternator shop.