From new the brushes should last for the useful life of the alternator. The
slip rings are also worn at this point and at some point the rear bearing
will start to go bad and spin in the housing. This will wipe out that rear
sleeve and at some point the rotor will rub on the stator etc. Point is the
brushes wearing out is an indicator for overhaul. If the alternator bearings
crash and you lose the belt and then overheat the engine the savings on not
getting the alternator rebuilt can be used for the tow home.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jim Arnott
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2011 11:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Voltage at alternator blue D+ lead?

People don't replace brushes anymore????  $3.00 from NAPA. Ten minutes with
a soldering gun. I always buy 2 sets. There are probably 3-4 pairs in my
toolbox right now.

Jim

On 5/14/11 7:38 PM, "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET> wrote:

>   A caution. If the brushes in the regulator pak are worn, you can get
> replacement paks for anywhere between $13.95 and $30.00. I bought mine
> off of E-bay for about $15.00.