6 replies to this topic

[nakes]

I have a very noisy alternator... I think the bearings need to be replaced... the front alternator cover is stuck though... or do I need a tool to remove it?

[crazycoleman118]

not sure if you can source new bearings for the alternator? might be easier (if a little more expensive) to just buy a new one. might be an excuse to get a higher capacity one

[nakes]

Haha... yes that would be a good excuse to get a new one... except that I'm in South Africa and mini spares are not always easy to find new... especially not a new uprated alternator.. unless I can use one off another car perhaps??

I even went to one of the bigger motor spares places that used to stock just about any part for the mini.. now they don't even have thermostat housings or thermostat gaskets....

[crazycoleman118]

ahh there might be your problem then. from memory you should be able to pull the alternator apart. but again its whether you can get bearings, maybe if you take it to an engineer, or a specialist they might have something that you can use.

[nakes]

I got the noisy bearing out so i'll take it to a bearing place to see if they have a replacement. I was also given a renault 9 alternator so i'll see if I can make that fit....

The Renault 9 alternator is also a Lucas unit and the wiring plug is same.... and the two front mounting holes are in the same position as the mini unit... but I think I'll need to make a custom bracket to get it fitted...

Edited by nakes, 06 August 2011 - 04:07 PM.

[nakes]

Had a chance to compare the renault alternator to the mini alternator and the mounting points are the same, the pully fits I only need to fit a 1inch spacer to make it work...

[bmcecosse]

Well done - go with the new alternator then - if the plug is the same it should work fine. Just make sure you get the drive pulley perfectly aligned with the other pulleys.