Alternating thoughts.......... - Saab 9-5 Bulletin Board - Saabnet.com
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Alternating thoughts..........
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Posted by Herb Hirsch [Email] (#114) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Herb Hirsch) on Tue, 6 Jan 2009 14:11:50 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: Head Off, should I change the alternator?, Savary [Profile/Gallery] , Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:10:14
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I would not change the alternator at 90K miles unless there is a diagnosed basis for doing so. My former 9-5 went 280K miles on the same alternator, and continues to run successfully to this day in the hands of a new owner.

The voltage regulator assembly, which also includes the brushes, is a different matter though. The brushes are typically good for 100K-150K miles. It's possible that you'll have to replace the voltage regulator assembly in the next couple of years or sooner. eEuroparts advertises it for your car for $120.

You could order a new one (knowing that you'll eventually need it) and measure the brush length and compare this with your existing regulator as a means of assessing wear; Saab used to have a standard of 6mm minimum. If you have 7-8mm left you might be able to wait a year or so. I used to change mine on a preventive basis every 100K miles, but that was when I was driving 50K miles/year.

If you wait until you have to change the regulator, you may damage the alternator (scoring of the commutator). Commutators are not field replaceable. The symptom for this is a flickering alternator light, at which point you've already somewhat scored the commutator.

Hopefully, others will weigh in with their thoughts and experiences.

Herb Hirsch
South Brunswick, NJ

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