alternator life

[drekhen]

I bought my 2003, 996 a few years back with full main dealer history and 28,000 miles on the clock. Since been serviced by a specialist independent in the SE. Now has some 52K on clock.

I fully accept that older highly tuned cars cost to maintain, but more than a little xxxx off that replacement alternator failed at 20,000 miles in less than three years and also took out the engine belt. This was after the garage had it two months ago for steering pump issues and was on first trip after a major service. No indications of regret.

Costs are no better than PUK.. invoice double that in 2015.

Rant over.

[guywilko]

Alt freewheel replaced @100k. Alt voltage pack died @ 104k. Bearings seem ok

[Mousem40]

No need to ever change your alternator!
Either get an exchange item (half the price) or change the diode pack yourself (a Bosch item that is 9 times out of 10 the likely culprit) for under £20 if you're willing to spend 1 hour DIYing it.

[ianwayne]

Since the OP says it took out the belt, I doubt a diode pack would help. It would appear that it seized.

[Mousem40]

ianwayne said:

Since the OP says it took out the belt, I doubt a diode pack would help. It would appear that it seized.

How does an alternator take out the serpentine belt? I've never heard of that. Water pump failure may do that.