i have bought brushes and soldiered them in and i remember
paying 2 dollars.... little brushes with springs attached...
I dont remember where to get them but it was an electrical supply or
something.... maybe grainger but i am sure an internet search will
produce some brushes.

are available from MB dealer for about $16. There are 2 styles. As soon as I get the ones I ordered I will post the part numbers.

Brushes are replaceable in Bosch regulators but maybe not in after market regulators. All U need is a soldering iron and solder to replace them.

P E H

blueranger,

U can't cure a bad ALT with a new set of brushes or V-regulator. U can only cure a bad set of brushes or V-regulator with a new set or bruches or V-regulator. Usually replacing the brushes or V-regulator will work, but not always.

If the ALT is NG, only a replacement ALT will cure the problem. How do I know this: I just replaced my ALT. I tried 3 different regulators and that didn't make the original ALT work. I then replaced the ALT with an ALT from another car and the replacement ALT is charging now.

P E H

the cut off length for the brushes is 5mm. Pretty easy replacement in both 300D and 420sel.

I wouldn't waste my time trying to put new brushes in a voltage regulator. the piece costs just $25 from Bosch.

__________________
Der Panzermann und Fraulein Fahrvergnuegen

1991 420SEL 201K "The Big Blue One"
1985 300DT 205K chassis/285K engine nee California emissions "Goldbug"
1983 300TDT 255K "The Womble"
1983 300 DT 214K "Sea Sprite"-Rear-ended a truck
1983 300SD 285K "The Donor" Gave his life so that others can live
1980 500SL Euro 105K "Der Panzer"

Well, I finally got it off and took it to Auto Zone for a free test.


I would put in a used Bosch original before I put in a rebuilt Auto Zone alternator--same holds for a starter.

Thanks everyone. Too late willie2004, the deed is done. I couldn't find a used one and I needed the wagon for a trip. After some head scratching, skinned knuckles, and some mumbling, I got it going. Only to discover another problem, now the speedo doesn't work, it was working when it was parked. The odometer, trip odometer, and the tach all work fine, but the needle doesn't budge. Any ideas? This blasted thing is rapidly ceasing to be a "fun machine", one wrong thing right after another. I expected to do some repair and maintenance, but this is getting ridiculous.

Ditto. Too damn easy to replace the regulator, and I've never seen a used one with bad bearings. Nothing else to go bad on them.

__________________
'83 240D with 617.952 and 2.88
'01 VW Beetle TDI
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD
'89 Toyota 4x4, needs 2L-T
'78 280Z with L28ET - 12.86@110
Oil Burner Kartel #35

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b1...oD/bioclip.jpg

I haven't a clue about automotive electronics. AZ said the alternator had a bad diode(?) and the regulator was also bad.

everyone needs to know how to remove and replace the brush assembly... it is easier than changing your oil.... everyone here can do it....

Important point regarding voltage regulators. the more recent Bosch alternators for the 123's are 65 amps. the original ones are 55 amp, and the voltage regulator for the 65 amp model will not fit, and indeed will crack when you try to screw it in. The proper regualtor for the 55 amp alternator is by some outfit, I think KAE, and cost me about $24

__________________
Der Panzermann und Fraulein Fahrvergnuegen

1991 420SEL 201K "The Big Blue One"
1985 300DT 205K chassis/285K engine nee California emissions "Goldbug"
1983 300TDT 255K "The Womble"
1983 300 DT 214K "Sea Sprite"-Rear-ended a truck
1983 300SD 285K "The Donor" Gave his life so that others can live
1980 500SL Euro 105K "Der Panzer"

According to the Autozone website, AZ does not even sell an alternator for the subject vehicle.

Regardless of what a website may or may not say it WAS purchased at Auto Zone. It is not a stocked item and they had to order it.

There are two different brushes that go in 55 AMP Bosch ALT that are on 617 engines, even though the alternators have the same Bosch P/N.

The MB part numbers are:

000 154 63 14 This is the type brush that has the braided wire attached.

000 154 81 14 This is the type brush that has a small stud attached.

Both brushes are available from MB dealers for about $16. I'm going to check with a Bosch dealer to find out if their price is lower. I will post when I find out.

Both brushes have to be soldered to the V-regulator assembly.

P E H

Old300D,

I never seen a regulator with any bearings, good or bad. LOL

Other things that can go wrong with ALT are the diodes, the windings and the slip rings. The diodes can either go open or short and the windings can and also go open or get a short thru the insulation. The slip rings can wear a deep groove from rubbing against the brushes.

P E H

Given the $25 cost of a new brush/regulator assembly, you'd have to be really short of cash and long on time to justify the savings on the brushes versus complete regulator assembly

__________________
Der Panzermann und Fraulein Fahrvergnuegen

1991 420SEL 201K "The Big Blue One"
1985 300DT 205K chassis/285K engine nee California emissions "Goldbug"
1983 300TDT 255K "The Womble"
1983 300 DT 214K "Sea Sprite"-Rear-ended a truck
1983 300SD 285K "The Donor" Gave his life so that others can live
1980 500SL Euro 105K "Der Panzer"