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So how long does the V90 Alternator last and when do I need to do brushes / bearings? S90-V90

posted by V90_guy on Fri Oct 9 15:26 CST 2009
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last visit: Fri Mar 28 15:03 CST 2014

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I am doing the 140K maintenance this weekend on the V90 and was wondering when I need to look at that alternator. I don't have a problem but I don't want to wait until I get stuck somewhere. Can I push it to 200K before likely servicing?

Thanks,

Will

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So how long does the V90 Alternator last and when do I need to do brushes / bearings? S90-V90

posted by DanR on Tue Oct 13 05:15 CST 2009
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last visit: Thu Oct 23 15:25 CST 2014

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I have over 343,000 miles on my alternator. The brushes were replaced at around 300,000.

Bearings are still sound. The item that is wearing out is the armature. The brushes have worn away about 75% of the metal around the armature, eventually it will short, out once it wears to the shaft.

DanR 343,000 miles (109,000 on the new engine)
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DanR

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So how long does the V90 Alternator last and when do I need to do brushes / bearings? S90-V90

posted by BlueGoose on Fri Oct 9 21:09 CST 2009
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last visit: Tue Aug 17 15:25 CST 2010

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You will probably get a warning when the brushes get too short. The voltage gauge generally fluctuates for a few days before it fails completely, depending on how many miles you drive. If you're going on a long drive I would pull the regulator and check the brushes.
--
1986 Volvo 245

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So how long does the V90 Alternator last and when do I need to do brushes / bearings? S90-V90

posted by david hunter on Fri Oct 9 17:45 CST 2009
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last visit: Mon Jun 30 22:10 CST 2014

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An alternator on any car is not a part that has any kind of defined life span nor is it considered a part that requires replacement, inspection or preventive maintenance on any schedule. The built-in regulator or the diodes can fail anytime. The bearings and windings can last the life of the car.

You can drive over to an Advance Auto or similar store where they will test the battery/alternator system for free, only takes a minute. I would not go on a weekend if they are busy.

You could also inspect the brushes and make sure they are not badly worn down.

--
David Hunter

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So how long does the V90 Alternator last and when do I need to do brushes / bearings? S90-V90

posted by B.C. on Tue Nov 3 08:50 CST 2009
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last visit: Wed Mar 28 22:28 CST 2012

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You could also inspect the brushes and make sure they are not badly worn down.

I have a 1997 965, 201xx miles, never touched the alternator. At idle it puts out 13.0 volts, which I consider a little low. The battery seems to stay charged, but on starting the turn-over is nerve-wracking slow.

I would like to at least check the brushes, but I don't see a way to do that without pulling the PS pump and maybe other things, too. I have bought the Volvo regulator/brush set and would like to install it.

Any tips would be welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Bob

:>)

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