Alternator brushes

greg.cranwell · 14-09-14, 08:55 PM

Hello I have the b3 coupe quattro and I have had some problems charging. The alternator output is around 13.8 unloaded and 13.7 loaded, which is fine. But some days the car doesn't receive any output and then will work fine on others. If the alternator was dead I'd assume it would have a lesser output and then just die and not start working again.

Anyway, a friend had a similar issue and he replaced the brushes in his alternator as they had worn out and it works fine since.

So I have taken the alternator off and have brushes on order, I've checked everything is still moving with no play on the pulley however I have no idea where/how I put these brushes in. What bit do I remove without destroying it haha?

I will point out I checked all earths etc before coming to this point and I've got a new belt as well as the old one was near death.

So yeah, any help would be great as pay day is a bit off and been quoted about 170 for new alternator!

Ben · 14-09-14, 09:16 PM

Some info here: http://www.20v.org/engprob.htm#alternator

greg.cranwell · 14-09-14, 09:33 PM

Cheers for that, says to remove to flat head screws, which I can't see! Il just remove one piece at a time until I find them, rest of the article is good though so that will save me just pulling on bits til they fall off!

Il let you know how I get on tomorrow, fingers crossed

TeXerv · 14-09-14, 09:38 PM

The brushes are a substantial part of the alternator controller, the part on the image with "SRS" typed on

greg.cranwell · 14-09-14, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeXerv

The brushes are a substantial part of the alternator controller, the part on the image with "SRS" typed on

Cheers for that, that was going to be my first guess, but I also had images of the thing just exploding into bits in my hands and leaving me crying on the floor because I broke it!

I feel a bit better about doing it now at least

TeXerv · 14-09-14, 09:57 PM

Don't worry replacing the controller is a cinch.

greg.cranwell · 15-09-14, 03:36 PM

As voltage regulator has been changed, not a problem but it uses a different shape brush to the Bosch one. So I have it in bits in my kitchen and must wait another 4 days for one to arrive as I can't find one locally. And one of the screws holding it in has snapped.

Today has been productive...

Although I'm happy with how it fits and that guide was useful!

14-09-14, 09:16 PM	#2
Ben 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stockport Posts: 2,348	Some info here: http://www.20v.org/engprob.htm#alternator __________________ 1992 80 quattro 20vt

14-09-14, 09:33 PM	#3
greg.cranwell Grown up member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Dyce, Aberdeen Posts: 44	Cheers for that, says to remove to flat head screws, which I can't see! Il just remove one piece at a time until I find them, rest of the article is good though so that will save me just pulling on bits til they fall off! Il let you know how I get on tomorrow, fingers crossed

14-09-14, 09:38 PM	#4
TeXerv Grown up member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Northern Krautland Posts: 241	The brushes are a substantial part of the alternator controller, the part on the image with "SRS" typed on

14-09-14, 09:57 PM	#6
TeXerv Grown up member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Northern Krautland Posts: 241	Don't worry replacing the controller is a cinch.

15-09-14, 03:36 PM	#7
greg.cranwell Grown up member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Dyce, Aberdeen Posts: 44	As voltage regulator has been changed, not a problem but it uses a different shape brush to the Bosch one. So I have it in bits in my kitchen and must wait another 4 days for one to arrive as I can't find one locally. And one of the screws holding it in has snapped. Today has been productive... Although I'm happy with how it fits and that guide was useful!