Is it easy or hard. I dont want to spend hundreds for a new one.

I clip the old ones off with a nippers instead of filing and then solder new generics in place, which can be trimmed with the nippers as well. They'll trim raggedly, but will wear smooth in time.

Main thing is setting them so they can extend fully without sticking out so far that they could be twisted out of their slot as they wear down. Taking time to position them is worth it. Then bend the wire over and solder and trim.

I have never needed to remove the alternator to do this.

Something wierd here, can't see any of the other replys! But, once you get the alternator out it's just two screws...

Justin B.

Occasionally it happens that you can see there are replys but are unable to view them. When that happens try clicking on the "+" box by the post and expand the thread to show all the replies and you will be able to read them.

Randy

It is quite easy. Can be done on the car if you remove the exhaust manifold heat shield and the oil filter. Better done on the bench, though.

The brushes are in a unit that contains the voltage regulator. It is attached to the rear of the alternator. It is black, has a raised circular center part, and is held on with a machine screw at each end. May be Philips or Torx. Go look, use a mirror and flashlight.

The brush/regulator is around $80 from a dealer, and maybe less aftermarket.
The brushes themselves can be replaced, takes bench work and soldering work. I think the FAQ has info on how to. I bought brushes from a BBRD advertiser (forgot which one) for $2.00 a pair last year. Check with fcpgroton.com

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Gsoros,
It's really quite simple. Remove the negative lead to your battery to aviod an electrical shock. Remove the alternator. There are two screws holding the voltage regulator/brush assembly in the alternator body on the back. Remove the two screws and don't lose the washers. Pull the VR/brushes. Now after cleaning any corosion from all contacts w/alcohol and a bit of Scotchbrite pad ... replace the voltage regulator/brushes with a new piece. (Import Parts Specialists have both the OEM Bosch VR ($40) or a German made Hugo VR ($21) importpartsspec.com )
You can also buy a new set of brushes (from an alternator repair shop) and solder them into the old VR. This takes more time but a brush set is about two to four bucks. I've found removing the belly pan gives better acess to the alternator mounting bolt. You may also order some accesory mount bushings for the alternator. Might be a good time to replace the alt/ac/ps belts if they are over five years old. If you have a Volvo stereo, make sure you have the reactivation security code ... you'll need it after reconnecting the battery terminal. Home this helps. Good Luck.

Hey,

If you have the BOSCH alternator,
Its not necessary to remove the alternator or belly pan!!!!!!!

Use a strong light to light down ther, and bent over from the engine bay.

You can reach the 2 fixing screws.

succes
--
240 '88 B200K wite sedan 255K km Europe virgo+all turbo gauges, Phoenix Gold + Kenwood ampli, Focal door speakers + tweeters, Kenwood 6'x 9', 10 CD changer in enlarged globe cabinet, dubble rear coil springs , hitch, fog lights, 2 extra rectangular pencil

Very easy if you can solder. Remove regulator/brush assembly. File the solder joint flat and use a 1/16" drill bit to drill out the brush solder joint (see image below). This makes a clean removal and easy insert for the new brush. Assemble brush and spring and push lead through the opening you created. Push brush in far enough to not kink when the brush is pushing it out to its fullest. Bend wire to hold brush in that position and solder the hole shut to secure the brush. Clip off excess lead and reinstall. Remember to tilt the assembly when reinstalling in the alternator so the brushes are pushed into the holder when you finally push it into the final position. Brushes are available aftermarket but my experience is that the Volvo brushes are longer and easier to install because of the solid copper lead on the braided copper brush wire. Volvo part number 1362710.

Randy