How long do GM alternators last?

How Long Does an Alternator Last? An alternator should have a useful life of between 80,000 to 150,000 miles, or around 7-10 years, whichever comes first.

How long do AC Delco alternators last?

Durable, minimum lifetime up to 24000 miles.

How long do factory alternators last?

Alternators have an impressive lifespan of seven years–or between 80,000 to 150,000 miles. But be careful that you are not wearing it out prematurely!

Can an alternator last 20 years?

On average, you can expect your car alternator to last between 5 and 8 years. But it really depends on how often you drive, what model year your vehicle is, and how many miles you put on your vehicle. For most car owners, expect to get somewhere in the range of 60,000 to 150,000 miles on their alternator.

How often should you replace an alternator?

Numerous factors work with and against alternators, so it's tough to pinpoint an exact lifespan of an alternator. However, we can say with near certainty that an alternator will not last for the average life of a vehicle. In general, you can expect alternators to last about 6-10 years, or about 80,000-150,000 miles.

Identifying GM Alternators

How do you know when it's time for a new alternator?

Do alternators fail suddenly?

When your alternator begins to fail it can cause a variety of different electrical problems in your car, and eventually cause a breakdown. Alternators can go bad suddenly, or slowly over time.

Is it worth replacing an alternator?

It's usually a better idea to replace the alternator entirely if it is malfunctioning. While new ones can be spendy, they are usually a better choice than remanufactured or rebuilt options. Those probably won't last as long as a new one since the mechanical parts have miles on them already.

What causes an alternator to fail?

Most of the time, alternators fail as a result of age or use. However, some other factors can cause an alternator to fail prematurely. Fluid leaking on the car alternator can commonly lead to failure. Often, engine oil or power steering fluid can work its way into the alternator and cause it to malfunction or fail.

How can I make my alternator last longer?

In addition to mitigating the effects of external factors like heat, vibration, and contaminants, you can also prolong the life on an alternator by replacing certain components before they wear out. For instance, some manufacturers recommend that you check the regulator and brushes every 12 to 24 months.

Is it OK to buy a remanufactured alternator?

Remember, their reputation is also on the line if they sell you something that fails quickly. Although there is no one right answer for every situation, we rarely recommend a rebuilt alternator. Sometimes a remanufactured alternator is a good option, but most of the time we recommend a new alternator.

How do I check to see if my alternator is bad?

First, open the hood and start the car. While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad. This happens because the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the engine running on its own.

Do you have to replace battery when replacing alternator?

Should the battery be replaced whenever an alternator is replaced? It's not necessary, however it's not uncommon for an old battery to fail when an alternator stops working. This happens because when the battery is completely drained, it deteriorates sooner.

Are AC Delco remanufactured alternators good?

ACDelco's Gold (Professional) Remanufactured Alternators are a high quality replacement ideal for many vehicles on the road today. ACDelco's Gold (Professional) Remanufactured Alternators use high-quality bearings with high-temp lubricant and double-lipped rubber seals.

How long do Silverado alternators last?

How Long Does an Alternator Last? An alternator should have a useful life of between 80,000 to 150,000 miles, or around 7-10 years, whichever comes first.

Where are AC Delco alternators made?

Factory AC Delco replacement part, proudly made in China.

Can a brand new alternator go bad?

Like all other rotating machines, the bearings in the alternator have a limited life and are eventually going to go bad. You can choose to minimize the chances of your bearing going bad prematurely but keeping the tensioner and the drive belt in proper working condition.

How much is an alternator for a Chevy?

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Alternator Replacement Cost Estimate. The average cost for a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 alternator replacement is between $596 and $807. Labor costs are estimated between $118 and $148 while parts are priced between $478 and $659.

Can a battery make an alternator go bad?

Battery with internal short can damage the alternator by making the alternator work harder than usual. A battery with short will cause the alternator will run at its highest output continuously or at a long period of time. Alternators are not meant to give maximum output for a long period of time.

When replacing an alternator What else should I replace?

When replacing and alternator, other upgrades are worth doing too. Go ahead and change the serpentine belt, tensioner and idler roller when replacing an alternator on your car or truck.

How much does it cost to get the alternator fixed?

In some models, they can run as low as $180 and for premium vehicles, they can run over $1,000. The average cost is approximately $500. It is common that the alternator will fail due to worn out contact rings and carbon brushes, or problems with voltage regulator.

How do I know if it's the battery or the alternator?

If the engine starts but dies immediately, your alternator probably isn't keeping your battery charged. If a jump starts and keeps your car running, but the car can't start again off of its own power, a dead battery is probably your answer.

What happens if alternator dies while driving?

If your alternator goes out – your car isn't going anywhere fast. Because your alternator charges your car's battery, without it, you won't be able to start your car, which means you'll need a tow to the mechanic. When you have a dead alternator, your battery will also die during normal use.

How long do alternator belts last?

Like all other automotive belts, it is made of rubber, and that means that over time, it can deteriorate. Usually, you can expect your alternator belt to last 3-4 years. You should have it inspected regularly – a good rule of thumb is to have your mechanic check the alternator belt whenever you have an oil change.

Are Napa alternators any good?

NAPA is good. Stay away from all those others. DO NOT turn in your core, keept it. You can replace the internals of the alternator with OEM parts.