Yes, this is a viable option. I did this with one for my E300 which I now keep as a spare. I bought it from a board member and paid him the core return plus shipping for a genuine OE bosch unit.

I had to buy a rectifier pack from a local rebuilder which cost $60 but the rest of the alternator was fine so all it took was less than an hour of my time to R&R the rectifier and I was back in business. Basically, it still cost me about as much as a rebuilt from one of the chains but I know it is fine now.

"I made a huge mistake when I bought a alt from them, I replaced it like 5 times. I finally got a rebuilt Bosch unit and haven't touched it since. "


I have had similar experience. I have replaced my AZ alternator atleast 7 times- even upgraded to the 65amp and still had problems. One was junk right out of the box-I was not happy after spending the time to install it pull it out and return to the store to test it.

Rebuilding secret
 

Years ago, I worked for NAPA. All major auto parts stores get their starters and alternators rebuilt in Mexico.

Starters are all about the same, check for shorts and replace the selenoid and brushes. Never are the starters rewound. If the problem was in the winding, you'll find out after you install it.

Alternators get the voltage regulator and electronics replaced and checked for shorts. If the problem was something else, you'll find it after it is installed.

The difference is pre-sale testing. At NAPA we tested all electrical parts before they were sold. We had about a 10% failure rate and our customers never had to install a part only to find it was defective, or worse, replace something else assuming our part to be good.

I've never seen Autozone test an alternator or stater before it left the store.

If want to really to be sure, go to the local guy who will rewind the unit if it needs it.

You want to go cheaper, go to NAPA.

NAPA has inflated prices....they want $6.39 a quart for the transmission fluid I use, while my local retailer (grocery store!) Meijer carries it for $5.49........they also charge $16 for their oil filter....way too high.

I've replaced two alternators with 85amp rebuilts from EagleAutoElectric on ebay. Cheap and they have held up very well. I bet they have alts for the Explorer too.

I see absolutely no reason to buy anything from AutoZone unless you need some shoptowels and/or oil in a pinch. I hate supporting a place like that, it's not a DIY car store, it's a cherrybomb muffler and steering wheel bling store.

Go with local rebuilder...
 

Use the local rebuilder, as you have a 'face to face' with the person doing the work, express your concerns and let them know what your expections are...or find a Bosch Distributor and buy a Bosch Reman unit -

I've done some consulting work for Manufacturers doing business with the Zones, Advance and O'Reilly of the world - Sometimes, their can be an issue with loyalty...All is well until someone comes in with a good sales pitch and they can save .25 cents...depending on the product, but if the supplier can provide some respectable quality standards and data, the 'chain' stores will flip. To us, .25 cents doesn't seem like much, but when you consider the number of units the 'chain' stores buy and sell -- it's huge money at the end of the year.

IMHO - the chain stores are good for wipers, chemicals, fuzzy dice and odd ball stuff but when it comes down to key critical items that can leave you and your family on the side of the road -- go with another source.

When I lived in the big city there were stores that specialized in my particular make, so I had no need to buy parts from discount chains. However, when I moved to a small town to go to University I had a choice of Auto Zone or NAPA. The local Auto Zone had excellent customer service. I've seen them test electrical parts right out of the box, before sending the customer home with them. Some customers lived 30 miles away or more, so I considered that a nice courtesy.

We also had a NAPA. In my experience their prices were more like 20 to 40% higher, and if your car was German they had to special order it. They sold to lots of repair shops, gave them huge discounts, but had little in the way of drive-up customers. After dealing with them, I knew why. When you are the only NAPA within 50 miles you don't have to provide good customer service. (Although AZ was in the same position, but never exhibited a poor attitude.)

AZ usually has replacement parts from several different manufactures, at different price points. Knowing which ones are trustworthy, improves your chances of getting good parts. I have a Brother in law who helps in that department. started out as BMW/Subaru technician, rebuilt engines for 10 years, and now rebuilds diesel engines and pumps on Fire engines. He's one of the most certified mechanics I know.

Take the alternator off and see whats wrong with it. Usually it is the regulator, easily replaceable from the outside.

Yes, Autozone parts are crappy, they only replace the bare minimum of what it takes to make the part work, then they clean and paint it. You are essentially buying someone else's used part that has been patched up. You can do that yourself, much cheaper usually.

No. I have a 78 datsun Z that has every part under warranty from when I had more time than $$. Now, Autozone is my last choice. I have found a shop that will warranty parts and labor so I may take a chance on a Cardone reman steering box for my Diesel Ram. I am on my 5th AGR box for that vehicle which makes the warranty worth more than other vehicles. 1 new AGR box didn't operate smoothly, the next 2 dumped fluid loosing steering and brakes, this one adjusts loose or tight with no happy medium. Given those experiences, I'll choose Autozone over AGR.

[QUOTE=Brandon_SLC;2291607] I've seen them test electrical parts right out of the box, before sending the customer home with them. Some customers lived 30 miles away or more.


There shouldn't be a NEED to test electrical parts before installing. With Autozone there is. Unfortunately, even suppliers like Bosh are cheapening at the expense of quality. I put a Bosh voltage regulator on my SD that was bad out of the box. The good thing is that the regulator can be changed without even pulling the alternator.

WOW, I guess no one has had any good experiences with Auto Zone.

I have bought oil on sale from AZ.

Once I got a case of used oil. When I opened the case, you could tell the box had been reglued. Apparently, another customer put used oil back in the bottles, filled and reglued the box, and returned it for a refund. They were angry (not at me but the other customer - now unknown) but they did give me a case of fresh oil. Good thing I discovered this in less than an hour after purchase or . . . . ?

Go with the local guy
 

After putting on a second AZ starter - talk about a PITA, I'll be sending ALL starters and alternators to the local rebuilder. I think I would rather support our local economy rather than Malaysia's. The only reason I went with the AZ starter is because I needed it "right now". They were good for getting me a starter quickly.

I went thru FOUR AZ alternators on my old Toyota pickup before wising up and having the OEM rebuilt. Never again.

Where are these "Local rebuilders" and where do they hide? My local AZ is so bright and glaring that I have trouble seeing passed it. :D

I can believe the story about the case of dirty oil, disguised as new. I've had a similar experience last year with a $90 case of Halogen bulbs I bought at Home Depot. Someone put their burned out bulbs back, then sealed it up to make it look unopened. Unscrupulous people take advantage of stores with liberal return policies.