I used some thread (or was it dental floss?) to compress the graphite brushes;
after installation of V.R, I snipped the thread and pulled it out.  All OK.

Rich
San Diego

________________________________
From: robby kilborn <robbykilborn@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Wed, April 13, 2011 10:27:04 AM
Subject: Replacing Voltage Regulator.

Before I go into this blindfolded, I thought I'd check to see if anyone had
any tips on replacing the VR on a bosch alternator, in the middle of
isolation, NM... (near the 4 corners.)
Some VR's have a way to compress and hold the graphite pins in place before
inserting the VR... I've had to opt for a AutoZone product, which has no
such feature... so... any ideas or advice?  This was the less expensive
option to purchasing a replacement alternator.

Robby