How long should a new alternator last?

I jhd a new alternator fitted 18 months ago (20K miles) on my Mercedes 220 CDI and the bearings are now shot so it has to be replaced. How long is a fair life of an alternator?

Asked on 2 October 2023 by Mick Fuller

Answered by Alan Ross

The alternator bearings should not fail at that type of mileage. In fact it is rare for the bearing to fail at all. We would ask who fitted the last alternator and was it fitted correctly - if not aligned correctly or if the drive belt has been over tightened, this can cause the bearings to fail.

Tags: parts warranty technical issues alternator

Similar questions

Warranty claim

My wife's Suzuki Jimny had a new catalytic converter/exhaust fitted by a main dealer in February 2012. She was charged £600.00 plus VAT. In November, the system failed and a local garage replaced the system...

Is there an issue with oxygen sensors on the Toyota Aygo?

I have a Toyota Aygo, purchased new in September 2015. Just before it was five years old it needed a replacement oxygen sensor, at about 17,000 miles. To their credit, this was done by Toyota under the...

Clutch slipping on Ford Focus 1.0 Ecoboost

I am having problems with my clutch rubbing/slipping on my Focus 1.0 ecoboost 2012. I bought the car second hand back in September last year and it has just 26,000 miles on the clock. I took my Focus into...