My alternator recently stopped holding a charge, the mechanic told me that I may just need to replace the brush assembly instead of the whole alternator. He went on to tell me that there is a lot of risk involved with only replacing the brush assembly since more problems usually show up with the alternator causing it to be replaced anyway. So my question is should I just have the whole alternator replaced or is he telling me of these risks to get me to pay more, and will just having the brush assembly replaced be adequate?

 

the brush assembly is a cheap fix, if it works, you're good for another 100K or whatever miles. if the alternator's bearings are shot, or the commutator rings are deeply scored, then you'll need a new alternator. watch out for cheap rebuilds, many of them are just cleaned up and get new brushes and are shipped, and won't last any longer than your old one.

 

Just change the brush assembly. Its a 20 dollar,5 min job. Your mechanic is trying to rob you!