The ride goes as planned for the first ten minutes. But soon after, problems emerge. Your radio starts getting spotty reception, the heater begins to act up, and the defroster slowly starts losing the battle to hold condensation at bay. Before long, your engine starts to gasp and wheeze until it finally gives up and leaves you and your family by the side of the road. These are signs that your alternator has failed.
In this article, I'll provide a brief overview regarding how this component works. We'll go through the basics, including the main parts involved with its operation. I'll also describe a few problems that can form, and offer some helpful suggestions for making your alternator last as long as possible.
Basics Of The Alternator's Operation
A lot of drivers believe their car batteries are responsible for powering their electrical components (e.g. radio, headlights, power windows, etc.). This is only true to a point. The battery initially produces a current that is used by these features. However, while you're driving, the alternator takes over.
The alternator works continuously to produce electricity, which is routed to your vehicle's various systems and accessories. This electrical current also helps to recharge the battery.
A drive belt loops around a rotor shaft that is connected to the unit's housing. The belt is powered by the crankshaft. As the belt turns, it causes a pulley within the rotor shaft to rotate. As the pulley rotates, it engages the alternator and helps it generate AC power for the accessories.
This is an oversimplification of the component's operation, but is sufficient for understanding the basics. If you were to dismantle an alternator, you would find dozens of additional parts that contribute to its performance. For example, you would find a rotor, stator, diode rectifier, voltage regulator, and a number of terminals. Slip rings, brushes, and cooling fans also play a role.
Potential Problems With The Component
Several circumstances can cause the alternator to fail. For example, suppose your battery has lost most of its charge. If you jumpstart the battery, there is a small chance that you can overload the alternator.
Second, as mentioned earlier, the component consists of many moving parts. These parts can wear down or become dirty over time. They can also suffer stress from extreme temperature changes.
Third, bearings inside the assembly that influence the rotation of the rotor shaft can begin to fail. When this happens, the rotor will become less capable of rotating as efficiently as before. The alternator will produce an insufficient charge and eventually stop operating altogether.
Prolonging The Alternator's Life
Even though this assembly is relatively complex, keeping it in good working condition is simple. Make sure the posts and cable connections on your battery are free of corrosion. Otherwise, the charge may have trouble traveling through. Check the battery's connections once every two or three weeks.
Also, check the drive belt that loops around the rotor shaft. Look for signs of wear and deterioration. If you notice any such signs, replace the belt.
Your alternator can potentially last over 100,000 miles. Some last twice as long and others fail in half the time. If yours fails, consider buying an OEM remanufactured unit rather than a new model. They're far less expensive and the quality is often just as good as a new assembly. But make sure you're buying from a reputable remanufacturer. Otherwise, you'll waste time and money having defective units replaced down the road.
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