I don't think that the chirping noise would be coming from the brushes.
Wouldn't it be more of a belt or pulley noise? But if you do check out the
brushes anyway, they can be replaced by soldering new ones on. However, some
parts vendors sell the regulator and brush assembly for about $7 while
others charge up to $50. It's hard to believe there's that much of a quality
difference to warrant such a price range. Some people carry a spare assembly
with them. They're not to difficult to replace with the alternator in place.
I used an offset sdrewdriver to get mine out.

Ed in CT
----- Original Message -----
From: "roger sisler" <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 11:02 AM
Subject: Do the voltage regulater brushes "chrip"like a bird when they get
short?

> I am getting this  intermittant chirpping , ecpecially when cold. At first
I thought it was wheel bearings in the rear. Then I figured it was my new
(10 hours to replace) water pump  about to go south. Finally I snuck up on
this noise this morning and discovered not a nest  of little birds, but a
bird like sound coming from the rear of the alt.  There is this  bird like
chirping coming from the rear of the altenator though. The voltage at my new
auxillery battery is 13.25 V. I think it is suposed ot be about 13.5 , or 14
volts. Could this be the end for the brushes? I see that the voltage
regulater is ez to remove. Can this be done with the altenator still
installed?I see that vendors sell new brushes forabout $3. the Bentley says
that these can be resoldered on. Is this a good way to go?
>
>
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