Did you look on Amazon for a replacement?

 

The only issue with Amazon and eBay is that they often sell counterfeit parts. I have ordered from both previously, but have to verify the seller. Thanks

Long story on my yet to be used backup alternator.

Since old school alternator shops are a dying breed, I hunted eBay for sellers that actually owned an armature shop. Found one who listed a rebuilt using a stock photo, but searching the web yielded photos of their actual shop in Ohio so I gave it a try. It was reasonably priced (about same as used LKQ core) but they shipped in a tiny box with USPS. The alternator I received sounded "scratchy" as if the internals were rusted when spinning the pulley. I then decided to treat it as a core and find parts for a rebuild. Watched some online videos and realized that replacing the voltage regulator would require soldering. Curious on the internals, I tried to pry it open but sheared one of the bolts while trying to dismantle the case without a vise.

I bought bearings from Maniac Electric Motors' eBay store but unfortunately they had to substitute "equivalent" bearings during the 2021 supply chain shortage (it was clearly stated). The smaller one was Chinese WBD but felt smooth and OEM like. The larger one was Chinese PGN garbage (funny penguin logo) which sounded rough. Ended up ordering an equivalent sized Nachi branded one from eBay. I was still able to order an OEM voltage regulator and replacement flange bolt at the time.

I gave up on the DIY job and found an alternator rebuilder in my metro area. It was owned by an older gentleman. I explained the scenario and he agreed to take things apart and use my bearings, regulator, and new bolt. When picking up the alternator, he offered to return the salvaged regulator and larger bearing since they were like new (I said he can keep them). Turns out the eBay rebuilder used a Transpo regulator and Japanese bearings, which he said he would have used too. He said the refinished casing was nicer than anything he would have been able to procure. He claimed to have sanded down the stator to get rid of the noise and noticed alarming solder cracks on the rectifier which he touched up. I'm not sure if the poor padding in shipping contributed to this. Old school shop so no bench test print out. I just took his word for it, paid, thanked him and left.

Fast forward a year later, the starter I rebuilt on my own failed. So I figured I'd let a professional rebuild it this time around. Unfortunately, that shop shut down. I then found another alternator rebuilder further away. They wouldn't rebuild my starter but would sell me a WAI Global one, so I declined. I had the backup alternator with me and asked them if they could bench test it. He took it to the back and I heard him spin it up, then came back to tell me it was over voltage by a lot and could only tell me what was wrong if I agreed to let him take it apart. Not sure whether to believe this shop or the previous one, I just thanked him and left.

So now I drive around with this alternator in my spare wheel well, not sure if it would work or not. I sunk about $200 into it total - it does have an OEM regulator though.

I'm at 175K miles now with the original alternator. Knocks on wood

Thanks.

2005 CRV. Found this alternator online yesterday, closeout. And there's a 10% off internet purchase coupon code at the top of the webpage. New, not rebuilt. Decided to take the risk on a non OEM due to the low price. Only home delivery is available. Lifetime limited warranty. Received an email today that the item has shipped.

Regular Price $278.99 (69% off)
$84.94 + $12.00 Refundable Core

Sale Price $96.94

Price With
DEC3:
$76.45

Link:

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

After researching the net found out that Advance Auto now labels their aftermarket parts as "Carquest", which I feel is misleading. Carquest used to be high quality, similar to NAPA. However, AA bought out Carquest 10 years ago, and is currently facing headwinds, with their stock down 75% in the last two years. When I bought the part I assumed it was Carquest quality. Not sure what the current quality is, but I'm returning the new unopened part for a refund.

My updated plan is to buy two brushes, OEM from Honda, and a high quality aftermarket front bearing for the alternator to have on hand when the time comes to a rebuild. The front bearing should be easy to replace and it's usually the front that fails. Rear bearing doesn't have as much load.

For future reference 2005:
Honda Brush OEM part number: 31140-P64-902 (make sure to get two brushes)
Bearing size info:

• 53514 15x35x13mm rear bearing
• 54700 17x47x14mm front bearing

 

Long story on my yet to be used backup alternator.

Since old school alternator shops are a dying breed, I hunted eBay for sellers that actually owned an armature shop. Found one who listed a rebuilt using a stock photo, but searching the web yielded photos of their actual shop in Ohio so I gave it a try. It was reasonably priced (about same as used LKQ core) but they shipped in a tiny box with USPS. The alternator I received sounded "scratchy" as if the internals were rusted when spinning the pulley. I then decided to treat it as a core and find parts for a rebuild. Watched some online videos and realized that replacing the voltage regulator would require soldering. Curious on the internals, I tried to pry it open but sheared one of the bolts while trying to dismantle the case without a vise.

I bought bearings from Maniac Electric Motors' eBay store but unfortunately they had to substitute "equivalent" bearings during the 2021 supply chain shortage (it was clearly stated). The smaller one was Chinese WBD but felt smooth and OEM like. The larger one was Chinese PGN garbage (funny penguin logo) which sounded rough. Ended up ordering an equivalent sized Nachi branded one from eBay. I was still able to order an OEM voltage regulator and replacement flange bolt at the time.

I gave up on the DIY job and found an alternator rebuilder in my metro area. It was owned by an older gentleman. I explained the scenario and he agreed to take things apart and use my bearings, regulator, and new bolt. When picking up the alternator, he offered to return the salvaged regulator and larger bearing since they were like new (I said he can keep them). Turns out the eBay rebuilder used a Transpo regulator and Japanese bearings, which he said he would have used too. He said the refinished casing was nicer than anything he would have been able to procure. He claimed to have sanded down the stator to get rid of the noise and noticed alarming solder cracks on the rectifier which he touched up. I'm not sure if the poor padding in shipping contributed to this. Old school shop so no bench test print out. I just took his word for it, paid, thanked him and left.

Fast forward a year later, the starter I rebuilt on my own failed. So I figured I'd let a professional rebuild it this time around. Unfortunately, that shop shut down. I then found another alternator rebuilder further away. They wouldn't rebuild my starter but would sell me a WAI Global one, so I declined. I had the backup alternator with me and asked them if they could bench test it. He took it to the back and I heard him spin it up, then came back to tell me it was over voltage by a lot and could only tell me what was wrong if I agreed to let him take it apart. Not sure whether to believe this shop or the previous one, I just thanked him and left.

So now I drive around with this alternator in my spare wheel well, not sure if it would work or not. I sunk about $200 into it total - it does have an OEM regulator though.

I'm at 175K miles now with the original alternator. Knocks on wood

 

DC Starter Service in Denton on University. It's like stepping back in time. They rebuild alternators and starters.

 

Local bearing supply store has the front bearing, Koyo ( 6303 2RS ), approx $17

 

Only one data point, but my 2005 CRV has 383,000 miles on it and the original alternator is doing just fine.

 

Other option is to buy a Denso rebuilt alternator through Denso (OEM supplier) for approx $250, plus tax and shipping, and be done with it.

^^ this would be my preferred path.

And I say this as a life long electrical engineer who has both the skills and knowledge to rebuild an alternator IF... IF I have a proper kit of parts and clear instructions, including things to be mindful or of the ever popular "gotchas" with a design (because there is always some nuance in things like this waiting to torpedo and frustrate a DIYer.

Just not worth the possible grief and time for something you will likely only ever have to deal with one time.

 

130k on my original alternator in my 09. I'm thinking of replacing it with a Denso or OEM unit before I finish my sub/amp install. Save the OEM as a backup.