Our '94 945 has a NipponDenso alternator. What mileage can we expect from this before it needs brushes, and is there an easy way to check the condition of the brushes and bearings?

The Bosch on our "87 was so nice - it took seconds to inspect the brushes, and with the brush/regulator unit out and the drive belt off, you could get a feel for the bearings.

My local alternator repair shop says the NippoDenso is the best alternator this is. You probably would have to fuss with it. The Bosch 100 amper on my 87 765T has been a pain (2 rebuilds) and a nightmare to take out and put back in (very heavy).

Maybe that's why there is nothing in the FAQ about them! I may take apart the one in my POS Toyota just to learn my way around inside an ND, and so be prepared for the day the one in the Volvo (165,000 km) acts up.

The Bosch in our '87 740 went 270,000 km with just a new brush/diode unit, and its life was ended early by a crash. Maybe you have an alignment or belt tension problem? Also, the alternator in the NA car is high on the left where it is very easy to reach and maybe runs cooler than the one in the turbo car.