|
Jennie -
First off, do you have any manuals for the car? I recommend the Bentley first, then - if in the budget - the Volvo Service Manual Wiring Diagram book, more Volvo Service books but they cost. Second one would be the Specifications manual for your model/year. www.volvocars.com/lit or 1-800-25-VOLVO
The brushes are part of the alternator voltage regulator. The unit is sold at Volvo parts counters for around $60, non-returnable. I've not checked after-market parts houses, you might call some.
It is possible to replace just the brushes, much lower cost. I printed off the post for it some months back but have never done one.
The job: Disconnect the battery negative cable. (Write down all your stereo tuning pre-sets first, they'll be lost.) Then cover the PS front fender with a scratch protector.
There are only two small slot screws holding in the regulator. With them removed, you can finagle out the regulator unit. Putting it back in is easier if you use a mirror to look in the hole to get an idea of what's where and to look for pits on the slip rings. If they are really pitted, that's another job requiring removal of the alternator.
Measure the brush length. They need to be 5mm (1/4-inch)to work right. If they are longer, then your original problem has a different cause. Put in the new unit anyway. Save the old for later, whether good or bad. You can try the brush replacement procedure later and you'll have a good one in stock.
Once the regulator is installed, reconnect the battery and start the engine. All should be OK.
BTW, note that never was there a need to loosen the alternator belts, remove the alternator, etc. Obviously it's an easier job with the alternator on the bench, but if your back can stand all that bending over the fender, go for the quick method.
Best Luck,
Bob.... :>)
|
