Alternator

My alternator is bad (loud noise and low voltage). How hard/long would it be to replace the alternator myself? I have basic knowledge (brakes and such) but not a mechanic. Also I have the 4.0l v6 and I see different alternators for this engine. Should I just get the 130 amp? Any recommendation? Thanks.

 

Easy installation. If you have a tow package get the higher rated amperage alternator.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/step-by-step-diy-alternator-replacement.384165/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9iIucCk0So

 

If you have a quality electrical shop in your town, another option would be having your unit rebuilt.

I've found that sometimes I can get the full rebuild, including them doing R&R, for very close to the same price as a parts house reman, and the shops warranty includes labor.

Worth investigating IMHO.

 

The alternator replacement is pretty straight forward. I just did mine 2 weeks ago. If you have noise double check the idler pulleys and the tensioner while you have the belt off. I had a noise that I thought was alternator and it wound up being 2 idler pulleys and the tensioner.

 

What Jimmy said,do it yourself its easy.Buy a good alternator,no cheap junk

 

Answers to your questions:

Yes it is easy enough to replace. Nothing tricky, just a little cussing because it is mounted down low.

Yes, definitely get the 130 amp unit. It is a direct replacement

Get a new belt and check the tensioner. I would just replace them both. Parts are on Rock Auto

Avoid cheap "rebuilds" because all they do is fix the broken parts. If the brushes are bad, they throw in a new set and clean up the case. You still get old bearings, diodes, etc. Get a new unit, or a quality remanufactured unit with all new internal parts, or you will be right back replacing it in 50k miles.

sent you a PM......

 

As tempting as it is to get a cheap one from autozone with their lifetime warranty, I wouldn't. I got one, it would stop working until I got jump started, then work fine for a couple months, then do the same thing again. On my second replacement, the guy took it & bench tesited it & said nothing is wrong with it. I told him what it was doing, he then screamed there's nothing wrong with it. I refused to back down, it turned into us screaming at each other nose to nose. He finally caved and slammed a new one on the counter. When that one did the same I brought it in, got a girl who said I returned it for a refund. She was really cool about it, saw who took the return, said he was a notoriously bad employee, and gave me a replacement. Even though she handled it correctly, I refuse to ever buy anything from that chain ever.

Sorry, rambling, I agree with Jimmy, go oem.

 

Denso reman from napa and call it good. Replaced mine around 110k miles. Maybe a 45min job.

 

Managed to replace the alternator and serpentine belt both in just under 2 hrs. Hardest part was getting the alternator out once unbolted. Very tight squeeze. Also the bottom bolt had to use a breaker bar as it was locked. But all done and running great (and quite).

 

Good job!