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Originally Posted by KC Ron Carter
The voltage regulator will have a set of carbon brushes.
This is for a Bosch BMW alternator but all are almost the same.
They can wear into a grooved pattern and the impact of driving can make them vibrate out of the normal groove.
Since the regulator has to increase output to jump the gap it does.
You can clean up the slider rings with abrasive paper.
You can get the brushes as a separate part requiring soldering skills or you can get a Regulator brush assembly for $70.
Some instruction for changing:
It is a very touchy installation and about 5% of the installation end in the ground link bent and the alternator not functional.
You can remove correct and reinstall the regulator.
The output must be 14.25 or higher on a Volt Ohm Meter not the dash gauge.
Some hints on the regulator change.
Replacing Alternator Regulator
For those who work on their cars and have not had alternator problems, here is a simple action that should save you down-time and significant costs.
Most alternators on German cars fail due to brushes wearing down (as they are supposed to) between 150k and 200K miles. Brush replacement is very easy -- it should not take over 20 min. and the brushes are attached to a new regulator.
To replace regulator assembly -- back of alternator held in place with two straight slot headed screws. This has a round transistor mounted on the outside on Bosch alternators -- the other type is similar but uses different brushes. Pop the regulator out, after removing the screws.
Fitting the regulator back is simple, but you must install it starting at an angle, to assure that the brushes compress when the regulator is flush with the alternator and the screws are tightened.
You are now ready for 200K miles of alternator life.
Later,
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Thats great KC, but he said he already got a new alternator and still has a problem.
Also GM cars use an electronic voltage regulator. They have no brushes and are service by replacing solid state electrical components. You describe a mechanical regulator which has not been used in American cars (at least Ford and GM) since the early 1970's