Best Local Alternator Rebuilding Services?

K

Killjoy

Forum Member
Hey Guys - Need to get a GM 145A KG3 alternator from a 2004 Tahoe rebuilt. Read too many horror stories of buying remans off the shelf at the major auto parts stores, so would prefer to have mine rebuilt locally. Looking through old threads here, it looks like J&P Auto Electric in Clinton Township and Marv's up in Shelby are two recommended places. Does that recommendation still hold?

J&P is ~$30 more than Marv's based on phone calls this morning, but cost is not my main concern -- want a quality job/result that will last, and not start going through multiple alternator swaps. Favoring J&P since they're closer to me.

Thanks.
 
J&P. I used to work there 16 years ago, still most of the same crew. You might be able to go in there with your bad alternator and have it tested. Probably a decent amount cheaper if they just need to drop a new regulator in there.
 
Last edited:
Not sure where youre at. but Bill's Suburban Alternator & Starter in roseville on gratiot and 13 mile has been around for YEARS.
(586) 771-3333
 
The current one is still working, but showing it's age @ 13yo and 150k miles. No problems yet, but the voltage meter is dropping more than usual (esp at idle) whenever anything that uses any significant power is used (window motor, high beams, etc.). Seems to be fine at higher RPMs (again, expected). In my mind, it's due for replacement based on age/miles and I'd rather do it preventively on my schedule while I'm off work this week vs. getting stranded somewhere in the near future.

Darko - Do you know how old/miles are on it? I'd have to see how the clocking is any different.
 
Killjoy said:
The current one is still working, but showing it's age @ 13yo and 150k miles. No problems yet, but the voltage meter is dropping more than usual (esp at idle) whenever anything that uses any significant power is used (window motor, high beams, etc.). Seems to be fine at higher RPMs (again, expected). In my mind, it's due for replacement based on age/miles and I'd rather do it preventively on my schedule while I'm off work this week vs. getting stranded somewhere in the near future.

Darko - Do you know how old/miles are on it? I'd have to see how the clocking is any different.
Click to expand...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/272316270729?item=272316270729&viewitem=&vxp=mtr
 
Killjoy said:
The current one is still working, but showing it's age @ 13yo and 150k miles. No problems yet, but the voltage meter is dropping more than usual (esp at idle) whenever anything that uses any significant power is used (window motor, high beams, etc.). Seems to be fine at higher RPMs (again, expected). In my mind, it's due for replacement based on age/miles and I'd rather do it preventively on my schedule while I'm off work this week vs. getting stranded somewhere in the near future.

Darko - Do you know how old/miles are on it? I'd have to see how the clocking is any different.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure bill suburban can test it for you as well.
 
I'd say your chances of having stepper motors in the cluster going bad might be more feasible than the alternator slowly going bad.
 
BigWheelinBubba said:
I'd say your chances of having stepper motors in the cluster going bad might be more feasible than the alternator slowly going bad.
Click to expand...
ReiKo said:
:stupid:
Click to expand...
Yea, I already played that game. All stepper motors in the IP have already been replaced.


ReiKo said:
If you want to use J&P lmk and I will hook you up...
Click to expand...
Thanks for the offer, but the job is done. Dropped it at J&P Friday @ 8:15a, they had it ready by 11:15a, and installed back into the car by 2p. Troy did the rebuild. Once I got the old one out, the bearings weren't shot, but certainly worn. There was also a huge difference in the magnetism 'pull' when spinning the pulley on old vs. new. Volt meter is more solid now at idle with loads applied too. Tried checking my best with my Fluke, but the voltage changes so fast it just throws the digital MM for loops. Honestly, not that surprising given it had 150k miles and 13 years on it. Nothing but compliments on J&P (as long as it holds up, but so far, so good).
 
Killjoy said:
Yea, I already played that game. All stepper motors in the IP have already been replaced.



Thanks for the offer, but the job is done. Dropped it at J&P Friday @ 8:15a, they had it ready by 11:15a, and installed back into the car by 2p. Troy did the rebuild. Once I got the old one out, the bearings weren't shot, but certainly worn. There was also a huge difference in the magnetism 'pull' when spinning the pulley on old vs. new. Volt meter is more solid now at idle with loads applied too. Tried checking my best with my Fluke, but the voltage changes so fast it just throws the digital MM for loops. Honestly, not that surprising given it had 150k miles and 13 years on it. Nothing but compliments on J&P (as long as it holds up, but so far, so good).
Click to expand...

Troy's a hell of a person, known him for almost 25 years.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top