Auto Zone rebuild VS. Local Guy rebuild.........
 

I keep reading on this forum not to buy starters or alternators from Auto Zone and rather to have a local shop rebuild one. Can anyone explain WHY ?
I would think that with the lifetime warranty that AutoZone really stands behind their product. And How can I trust some local shop ? How do I know they will stay in business?

The reason why I ask this now is because I have a family member who is need of an alternator for their 1997 Ford Explorer. The prices are the same. Why should I get it from one and not the other?

Auto Zone will provide you with another crappy part after the first crappy part fails. The labor is on you.

That's exactly what they want you to think. That is precisely the plan: create an illusion of quality by offering a lifetime warranty. The warranty is part of a business strategy, not an indication of quality parts.

How many times do you want to swap the alternator?

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.

If the price is the same, a professionally rebuilt alt trumps a sweatshop "rebuild" anyday. The professionally rebuilt one should have a warranty also.

~Nate

OK, how can I know that the local re builder is doing a quality job? I hear rebuilding these things is pretty easy, so whats the difference who's rebuilding them?

Autozone products (brand depending) are known trash, but they keep their doors open due to high volume selling of cheap (junk) product...

A rebuilding shop CANNOT stay open if they turn out junk and get a bad name.

FWIW, if its in the same shape as 97 exploders common to my area, a junkyard one will be fine...


~Nate

anyone had good experience with auto zone?

If you're so worried about the quality, rebuild it yourself.

One important item. Rebuilding is pretty straight forward. The real problem in the industry is the replacement parts. Far too many aftermarket repair parts are little better than junk.

Some rebuilders source good replacement parts. The majority of the mexican rebuilders do not in my opinion. Most chain store alternators and starter rebuilds are coming out of mexico.

So the answer to your question is your local rebuilder using good aftermarket parts or the junk lines. You can ask him.

lots of them...BUT Not With ReMans of ANY kind.
 

These guys can probably Steer You in the right direction:
http://www.electricalrebuilders.org/

[I like Matt's suggestion...Weekend Project...Then you know it's done RIGHT!]

After quickly going through two starters (in just over one year) and an alternator in 13 months, I decided I was done with Autozone remans for such parts.....used or German rebuilt only for me!

Yes. I've never had to return a part to AZ due to poor quality. I've bough brake calipers, wheel bearings, rotors, CV joints, spark plug wires, ignition coil. Also, as I covered in anther thread, the longest lasting battery I've ever owned. That's just what I can think of off the top of my head. All part have lasted at least as long as the factory originals. However, I've never bought parts for Mercedes there.

I used to use Shucks/Checker because they were close to my house and in my opinion they sell junk. The stories listed above sound more like Checker than AutoZone, to me. The last part I bought at Checker was a Voltage regulator for a VW that failed 3 times in 4k miles.

I generally buy NAPA parts. They usually cost about 10% more. I feel they are worth it. I have bought AutoZone parts many years ago. One was a brake master cylinder. It was a new part. So new that some of the port threads were not taped. I tired to tape the parts at work. I returned the part and was given a rebuilt part. I did buy an alternator for a girl I was seeing at the time there. THey put one on the counter, and I looked at it and pointed to a diode or something. They said, that was from the return rack and pulled out another one.
On my MB 240D, I was having problems with the alternator. It had been replaced by the previous owner, with a part from Advanced Auto. I rate their parts better than AutoZone. It was rebuilt in Germany by some firm. I replaced the regulator and it still didn't work. I took it apart and there were some metal pieces floating around in there. The winding wires were broken. I soldier them back and soldier in a resistor that had come loose. It worked but sqeeled. I bought a bearing for it. The wires were broke again. The bearing didn't fit in the housing. It had about 1/8 of clearance. I made a sleeve to fix it. The alternator lasted a few months. Even though it had a lifetime warranty, that was only to the original purchaser, plus you need the reciept.
I replaced it with a higher amp alternator off of E-Bay. That was last week. So it is to soon to say anything about quality. I'd probably go with a local rebuilder. The ones in my area have a good reputation. I would have used one of them, if it weren't for the increased amps I wanted.
Tom

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.

i work at autozone. i have never had any bad luck personally but every now and again, you get someone coming in with a failed part. not too common at my store but others is almost daily.

why is everyone hatin?

Nobody is "hatin" we are just telling our personal experiences.

I personally have grown tired of buying inferior, many times Chinese-made parts from inexperienced counter people who seem to be completely baffled when I ask for something that the computer doesn't seem to reference. Many times I have had to ask for the book so I could look the part up myself.

I have found that if I go 1/8 mile down the street, I can buy quality made parts from the local parts house with brands I recognize at prices usually very competitive with AZ or Advance Auto, plus I can hold an intelligent conversation with the person behind the counter instead of just getting a blank stare like I have just asked for a part for the space shuttle.

It is almost humorous to watch the expression on the typical AZ or Advance counterperson's face change to utter despair when they hear the word Mercedes. Usually, after a token ten-second search of the all-knowing computer they assure me that my part can only be secured from the dealer.

As far as rebuilt parts, you certainly get what you pay for. The AZ parts are cheap for a reason--you can't do a complete rebuild, ie. replace all bearings, bushings, brushes, voltage regulator, diodes, clean, refinish, test, package and market an alternator for the price they charge--which is exactly why they just replace what is bad and leave the rest. I can buy the part that is bad and replace it myself, which makes my repair as good as their rebuild, plus I know mine will work.

Youngbenz, don't take any of that personally, you may be a very competent and experienced counterperson and I wish you well, I was just stating my experiences.:)

God that is so true. I was in a hurry because I need my car up and running, so I purchased an alternator from Autozone and it didn't fit into the bracket in my car. They keep on stating that it was the correct part number and that is the part number the computer stated. I'm like the bolt holes don't line up.

So I rebuilt my alternator at a local shop here in Austin, and I purchased a rebuilt starter when that went out from the same place. Please don't purchase Alternators & starters from AutoZone they are going to die on you and then you have to rebuild them again.

If you consider changing alternators to be fun, then Autozone should be your vendor. Use their rebuilt junk and you'll be partying all the time.

Local rebuilders can be just as bad as AZ, if not worse. I had a co-worker who used a local rebuilder because they also included free installation. When his alternator went bad under warranty they charged him to replace it because "replacement labor" was not included.:mad:

Local rebuilders are like anything else, there are good ones and bad ones. I'm lucky. In the small town that I live 20 miles away from, I have dealt with two local shops that have both done Exemplary work. The stuff I've used from the local AZ have been junk almost every time.

Party ,LoL .Open up the parts box and get a free ballon and confettie with your rebuilt prize.

That is precisely the strategy used by some chain brake and muffler shops. They install very cheap parts and offer a lifetime warranty. That brings the customer back every couple of years, where they pay through the nose for the labor to install some more poor quality parts.

Another vote for the local guys
 

I'm in a small town that has a rebuilder that has been in business for 30+ years ( a good sign). I have brought them domestic and foreign parts, boat parts (outboard and inboard), and odds and ends like power window regulators. They are typically 50-75% of the price of a rebuild at the local chain parts place. You get the same casing that came out of your vehicle, so you know it fits back in. Drop it off in the morning and usually get same day service. Not bad for me, but could be an issue if you need it immediately.

They also provide expertise when you need it. My boat has a Chevy big block, and was hard to start when hot. They looked at the starter and determined I had a "standard" torque starter. They upgraded the internals to high torque and fixed the issue.

Good luck with your fix.

I've had to switch out an Autozone starter (on a w115) THREE TIMES.

They would crank and work for a day, and then all the torque was gone.


I got fed up real fast. I goto return the last one; They didn't want to offer cash back - Just another "rebuilt" starter. Dropped the starter on the table and had them "test" it on their machine. I had cash in had five minutes into them messing around with the machine - the starter was no less then a week old and completely toast.


I bought an OEM starter from Roy (who seems to collect these parts for just the occasion) and and it rebuilt locally.

If your in the SE-Michigan area, Global Re-Manufacturing and Bill's Suburban both do amazing work.

The starter I ended up with I didn't want to put in the car - it was to pretty. New solenoid, fresh gear and a nice paintjob to boot!





It's six months later, the starter still works like the day I installed it!