Rebuild my Denso alternator?

[macleanflood]

So my check gauges light came on and the voltage gauge dropped to zero on my 97 today. AC 4.0 Jeep...build sheet has 117a alternator.

Parts stores had 90a for $150.

Junkyard had a 117a pull off a 95 Cherokee.

Out came a Denso 56005685. Terminals were pretty corroded. Bearings are not terrible but going.

Here's a rebuild kit and there are videos explaining the process. $21. Think I might give it a shot and have what might be the original alternator ready to put back in. Thoughts? Please don't say Premier Power Welder or Mechman. I've already lit my CC on fire. I don't need any further temptation.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1921182324...d=link&campid=5337789113&toolid=20001&mkevt=1
-Mac

 

[Dan Carey]

Go for it. Clean the housings as good as you can before installing the parts back together.

 

[BlueC]

Do it. Use good O.E. quality parts, and you will have a better unit than anything you can buy at the parts store.

 

[Squatch]

So my check gauges light came on and the voltage gauge dropped to zero on my 97 today. AC 4.0 Jeep...build sheet has 117a alternator.

Parts stores had 90a for $150.

Junkyard had a 117a pull off a 95 Cherokee.

Out came a Denso 56005685. Terminals were pretty corroded. Bearings are not terrible but going.

Here's a rebuild kit and there are videos explaining the process. $21. Think I might give it a shot and have what might be the original alternator ready to put back in. Thoughts? Please don't say Premier Power Welder or Mechman. I've already lit my CC on fire. I don't need any further temptation.

[URL]https://www.ebay.com/itm/19211...d=link&campid=5337789113&toolid=20001&mkevt=1[/URL]

-Mac

This is a very timely thread for me, as the alternator went out in my wife's '96 XJ while on my way to work Monday morning. I was going to drop by and pick up a new NAPA unit tonight, but was also thinking about rebuilding the original one. As I've never rebuilt one before, I'm a little apprehensive about it. Is it difficult to do? The NAPA one (new) is $224 out the door...and made in China, unfortunately. I'll be watching this thread for updates, @macleanflood!

 

[Claytone]

Most alternators are easy to rebuild. And the quality of re-man units is iffy.

 

[sab]

1. Have you properly diagnosed the alternator as the problem?
2. If so, have you determined the windings are okay? That kit won't fix a broken wire in the winding.

 

[BlueC]

Is it difficult to do?

I've mentioned in another thread about having a local shop rebuild one in about 30 minutes while I talked to him. I've never done it since my local guy charges me $40, but if he can do it that fast, I'd guess anyone with decent mechanical knowledge, tools and youtube could do it in a few hours.

 

[Squatch]

I've mentioned in another thread about having a local shop rebuild one in about 30 minutes while I talked to him. I've never done it since my local guy charges me $40, but if he can do it that fast, I'd guess anyone with decent mechanical knowledge, tools and youtube could do it in a few hours.

Might be worth it just for the gains in knowledge and experience. Thanks, man.

 

[TJ Jim]

So my check gauges light came on and the voltage gauge dropped to zero on my 97 today. AC 4.0 Jeep...build sheet has 117a alternator.

Parts stores had 90a for $150.

Junkyard had a 117a pull off a 95 Cherokee.

Out came a Denso 56005685. Terminals were pretty corroded. Bearings are not terrible but going.

Here's a rebuild kit and there are videos explaining the process. $21. Think I might give it a shot and have what might be the original alternator ready to put back in. Thoughts? Please don't say Premier Power Welder or Mechman. I've already lit my CC on fire. I don't need any further temptation.

[URL]https://www.ebay.com/itm/19211...pid=5337789113&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1[/URL]

-Mac

Hey did this work out for you? There are none on eBay it looks like. Amazon came up blank. I rebuilt a buddies Camaro years ago just replacing the diode. $3 if I remember right. I want to buy a rebuild kit for future use.

 

[macleanflood]

Hey did this work out for you? There are none on eBay it looks like. Amazon came up blank. I rebuilt a buddies Camaro years ago just replacing the diode. $3 if I remember right. I want to buy a rebuild kit for future use.

I took mine to our local auto electric shop and an 80 year old replaced the diode bridge.

-Mac

 

[TJ Jim]

I took mine to our local auto electric shop and an 80 year old replaced the diode bridge.

-Mac

Dang I was hoping you found a bearing and diode pack the would work. Think I’ll keep looking. Maybe go to the junk yard and pick up a used one to measure the bearings and find a diode pack to fit.

 

[macleanflood]

I'd love to have a replacement bridge and bearing for a trail fix kit. Lot easier to carry than a spare alternator.

-Mac

 

[TJ Jim]

Bought a used alternator on eBay for $50. It looks pretty rough, but plans are to tear it apart, clean it up and try to order the bearings, brushes and diode pack and see what I get. Looks like if you buy a refurbished one the price is all over the place. $100-$800

 

[Mall'er]

https://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/al20jewr4.html

 

[TJ Jim]

https://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/al20jewr4.html

Have you purchased from them? That’s the first site that has stated for our stock denso alternators.

 

[Mall'er]

I have. They have enough info for their parts on the site if you want to cross shop.

 

[macleanflood]

Interesting they seem to exclude the 97. I didn't think my alternator was any different than other model years.

-Mac

 

[Mall'er]

https://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/13341n.html

 

[TJ Jim]

Awesome. Kinda scared of new sites these days. My credit card has been compromised so many times. Was looking for a hard to find tractor part and found a website that not only sold tractor parts but appliances too. Ordered the tractor part and it compromised my card.
Waiting on eBay to send me the used alternator and then I’m gonna source the parts to do a rebuild. Kinda looks like it’ll cost the same to rebuild as to buy an aftermarket rebuilt alternator.

 

[TJ Jim]

Interesting they seem to exclude the 97. I didn't think my alternator was any different than other model years.

-Mac

My 2004 denso is a tn121000-3821. Seems like there are several that work with our jeeps. Problem is I think the connectors are a bit different? High output dakota v8 engines fit. Maybe some Chrysler vans?