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Alternator Overhaul: Overhaul

NOTE: Refer to the EXPLODED VIEW  if needed during this procedure.
  1. Test the alternator and regulator before you remove them (see ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
  2. Remove the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).

    Alternator Disassembly 

  3. If the front bearing needs replacing, remove the pulley locknut with a 10 mm wrench (A) and a 22 mm wrench (B). If necessary, use an impact wrench.
    Fig 1: Removing Pulley Locknut
    G07353505Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. Remove the three flange nuts.
    Fig 2: Removing Three Flange Nuts
    G07353506Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Remove the end cover (A) and the terminal insulator (B).
    Fig 3: Removing End Cover And Terminal Insulator
    G07353507Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  6. Remove the brush holder assembly (A).
    Fig 4: Removing Brush Holder Assembly
    G07353508Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. Remove the four through bolts, then remove the rear housing assembly (A) and the washer (B).
    Fig 5: Removing Rear Housing Assembly And Washer
    G07353509Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  8. If you are not replacing the front bearing, go to step 13 13. Remove the rotor from the drive-end housing.
    Fig 6: Removing Rotor From Drive-End Housing
    G07353510Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  9. Inspect the rotor shaft for scoring, and inspect the bearing journal surface in the drive-end housing for seizure marks.
    • If the rotor is damaged, replace the rotor assembly.
    • If the rotor is OK, go to step 10.

    Front Bearing Replacement 

  10. Remove the front bearing retainer.
    Fig 7: Removing Front Bearing Retainer
    G07353511Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  11. Drive out the front bearing with a brass drift and a hammer.
    Fig 8: Driving Out Front Bearing With Brass Drift And Hammer
    G07353512Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  12. Install a new front bearing (A) in the drive-end housing with a hammer, the driver handle, 15 x 135L, and the bearing driver attachment, 42 x 47 mm.
    Fig 9: Installing Front Bearing
    G07353513Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Alternator Brush Inspection 

  13. Measure the length of both brushes (A) with a vernier caliper (B).
    • If either brush is shorter than the service limit, replace the brush holder assembly.
    • If the brush length is OK, go to step 14.

    Alternator Brush Length 

    Standard (New): 10.5 mm (0.413 in) 

    Service Limit: 1.5 mm (0.059 in) 

    Fig 10: Measuring Length Of Both Brushes With Vernier Caliper
    G07353514Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Rotor Slip Ring Test 

  14. Check for continuity between the slip rings (A).
    • If there is continuity, go to step 15.
    • If there is no continuity, replace the rotor assembly.
    Fig 11: Checking Continuity Between Slip Rings
    G07353515Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  15. Check for continuity between each slip ring and the rotor (B) and the rotor shaft (C).
    • If there is no continuity, and go to step 16.
    • If there is continuity, replace the rotor assembly.

    Alternator Reassembly 

  16. If you removed the pulley, put the rotor in the drive-end housing, then torque its locknut to 110 N.m (11.2 kgf.m, 81 lbf.ft).
  17. Remove any grease or any oil from the slip rings.
  18. Put the rear housing assembly and the drive-end housing/rotor assembly together, tighten the four through bolts.
  19. Push the brushes (A) in, then insert a pin or drill bit(B) (about 1.6 mm(1/16 in) diameter) to hold them there.
    Fig 12: Inserting Pin
    G07353516Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  20. Install the brush holder assembly, and pull out the pin or drill bit.
    Fig 13: Installing Brush Holder Assembly
    G07353517Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  21. Install the end cover.
  22. After assembling the alternator, turn the pulley by hand to make sure the rotor turns smoothly and without noise.
  23. Install the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).