USA Industries Alternator from Rockauto

OK, so my 97's alternator has 189K miles, but still pushes out 14.1 Volts days in and out can't complain too much here. However, I can hear some groaning sounds specially under load.

I took a chance and bought a re-manufacture Bosch 140A from Rockauto that is made by USA Industries for about $140 after core refund, you can't beat the price here.

I was a little pessimistic and wonder if they replace all the necessary parts, bearings voltage regulator and etc...

Upon its arrival and a quick check I was very impressed, looks like new and bearings feels like new.

Installed it this morning. Started the car up and all was nice and quiet. Opened test number 9 Voltage readings were very consistent at 14.2 Volts. I'm satisfied

I highly recommended.

Of course some pics to go along with the story. Enjoy!

Thanks for the feedback.

Looks good, I also have a noisy alternator. I have replaced pretty much everything else in the belt drive system and still get a little noise It seems to be comming from that area. It is nice to know that there is a cheaper route to go.

Originally Posted by Nline6

Looks good, I also have a noisy alternator. I have replaced pretty much everything else in the belt drive system and still get a little noise It seems to be coming from that area. It is nice to know that there is a cheaper route to go.

Thanks man, definitely can't beat the price but the quality was a surprise.

Thanks for the feedback.

Anytime.

Thanks for the information. I always wondered about that particular merchant, they have some crazy cheap prices on certain items.

These days, I am doubtful about Bosch rebuild alternators. I wonder if they put Chinese VR, bearings inside their rebuilt alternators.

For those who want to rebuild, knowing that you put quality stuff in your alternator, you can get good products for about $100 and done with:

1. Buy the 2 bearings (use Koyo, Nachi, or SKF only) for $50 or so.

2. The VR issue:
Go to ebay and search "12311713491", you will see Bosch or Huco VR sold for $60.
This one is sold by Smith Electric Co.:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8020-1172-NE...-/280910336337


The problem with buying rebuilt alternator online (or locally) is that: you don't know what brand VR they put in, probably Chinese VR and Chinese bearings, that is why it is cheap.

PS: Good reviews on Huco:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ew-HUCO-130514

http://www.chrisnovoa.com/a-note-abo...ge-regulators/

I can tell you the BMW dealer rebuilt alternators must use good parts (and they better for what they charge!). I have over 105k miles on my BMW dealer installed rebuilt alternator. I intend to keep my car long enough to make them make good on thier "lifetime free replacement" warranty. The "new" one that came with the car only lasted 81k miles...I'm at 187k now.

All speculation on what Bosch uses for their rebuilds, but at over $400 online for a Bosch replacement water cooled alternator for a 540, one would hope they use decent parts. They do offer a 2 year warranty...

Originally Posted by cn90

These days, I am doubtful about Bosch rebuild alternators. I wonder if they put Chinese VR, bearings inside their rebuilt alternators.

For those who want to rebuild, knowing that you put quality stuff in your alternator, you can get good products for about $100 and done with:

1. Buy the 2 bearings (use Koyo, Nachi, or SKF only) for $50 or so.

2. The VR issue:
Go to ebay and search "12311713491", you will see Bosch or Huco VR sold for $60.
This one is sold by Smith Electric Co.:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8020-1172-NE...-/280910336337


The problem with buying rebuilt alternator online (or locally) is that: you don't know what brand VR they put in, probably Chinese VR and Chinese bearings, that is why it is cheap.

PS: Good reviews on Huco:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ew-HUCO-130514

http://www.chrisnovoa.com/a-note-abo...ge-regulators/

I wondered that too. Replaced the Bosch on the 99 with a rebuilt Bosch from FCP. Not sure who they get it from. Great price, and so far zero issues. That was a couple months ago. We'll see. FCP has been pretty good about standing behind their products.