Alternator died, can't do work myself. $500??

[rosann]

Hi I'm new member from down South in Australia. My 3.2 95 MU has been wonderful, but now has a dead alternator according to RACV here. Elect repairman says possibly $500 because of vacuum pump. Is this ridiculous, and why can't they redo the bushes etc. Also what model no. etc. is applicable if deciding to go for reconditioned one and where from, please.
Thanks for this great website. A general list of replacement parts would be most helpful on the site.
Thanks Rosann

[justin]

Gday, Assuming you have a 3.1 4JG2 MU and you ain't slipped a 3.2 V6 in it, I brought my last new alternator from AEA in Brisbane. It cost $320 + Freight. The model you want is an Hitachi ALT7055R or the Hitachi ALT7080, (the latter 70 amp one is what I went for but I had to modify the mounting bracket.)
Their web address is:
www.aea.com.au/shopping/index.html
Just follow the links to the Hitachi alternators and scroll down. Phone them up and ask them a price delivered I believe Francesco got one recently for around the $320 mark from them. You can fit them yourself if your handy with the spanners but as you pointed out if not then a mechy will do it in an hour or two. The bushes are replaceable but if its totally stuffed like mine was then the newby is the way to go. Good luck J

[rosann]

Thanks Justin for the information and advice. A mobile auto electrician has put new bushes and bearing in the existing alternator. Charged me $180.00 and $130 of that was for labour, removing repairing and refitting etc. MU and owner happy!
regards
Rosann