Generator regeneration or buying a new one? How much does a generator repair cost?

Generator operation and regeneration

Generator regeneration may be required for a number of reasons. However, before we show you how to regenerate an alternator, we will take a moment to explain how it works and introduce the construction of this part. The generator rotor consists of a shaft with a winding enclosed in cam poles, bearings and two slip rings connected to the winding. When current is applied to the winding, it is the generator rotor that begins to create an electromagnetic field. The voltage from the battery is applied to the rotor winding through two carbon brushes sliding along the rings. The current is actually generated in the stator, aka the armature, which is made of thin sheets of ferromagnetic material and properly wound leaded windings.

The alternator produces three-phase alternating current, and all installations in the car produce direct current, so it must be properly converted using rectifier diodes. They convert AC to DC.

The alternator also has an element called a voltage regulator that limits the voltage and keeps it at around 14,4 volts regardless of engine speed. As you can see, the generator consists of many parts that heat up during operation. This, among other things, contributes to the occurrence of malfunctions and, consequently, the replacement or regeneration of the generator.

Generator regeneration - when might it be needed?

Please note that the generator consists of many parts with different functions. Their work allows electromagnetic induction, in which part of the mechanical energy from the internal combustion engine is transferred to the alternator, and the voltage is applied to the rotor winding. This, in turn, creates an electromagnetic field that rotates with the rotor.

Symptoms indicating a malfunction and the need to replace, repair or rebuild the generator

A faulty generator gives quite characteristic and clear symptoms. If you notice any of the following, you should probably consider replacing or rebuilding your alternator.:

• problems with starting the car;
• unevenly luminous car lighting;
• the appearance of a battery indicator on the dashboard of the car.

Sometimes the reason may be a broken or insufficiently tensioned drive belt, and sometimes the fault of the generator and its individual consumables, which wear out over time. Bearings and carbon brushes in this part of the car wear out the fastest. The electrical system may be damaged. If the alternator fails or you suspect it is the problem, it must be removed for replacement or repair. In many cases, you may also decide to regenerate the generator.

What is generator regeneration and how does it work?

What is meant by the term generator regeneration? Well, the repair of the generator by regeneration begins with the removal of this element from the car and its disassembly into parts. The necessary measurements are then made and attempts are made to determine the cause of the failure.

Self-regeneration of the generator - is it possible?

Generator regeneration consists in replacing worn or damaged elements. Can you do it yourself? Yes and no, depending on whether you have the right tools and knowledge about how this part of the car works.

Do-it-yourself generator repair step by step

If you are looking for information on how to regenerate an alternator and you are wondering if you can do it yourself, then you need to know that you will need some technical knowledge and skills for this task. After removing the generator from the car, you should check the body of the device - if it is cracked. Later you check:

• the degree of wear of brushes and slip rings;
• bearing condition;
• the efficiency of the rectifier system and voltage regulator;
• winding condition;
• pulley and overrunning clutch.

What tools are useful for generator regeneration?

To remove, for example, bearings in a generator, you need a special puller or press, and to repair slip rings, a grinder. After replacing all the necessary components of the generator, its body must be sandblasted and painted, and the generator itself must be tested on a test bench. If you don't have all the tools you need to remove and then replace or rebuild an alternator, trust a mechanic. Thus, you will avoid the risk that something will go wrong and… extra nerves.

How much does it cost to buy a new car generator?

You might be wondering what to buy: a new or remanufactured generator? Repair costs are usually lower than replacing a broken part with a new one. Replacing a broken generator costs from a few hundred to several thousand PLN, depending on the manufacturer of the generator and its model. A new generator costs between 250 and 300 euros plus replacement costs if you don't do it yourself.

How much does a generator repair cost?

Alternator regeneration is cheaper, although the final price depends on the location of this part in the car, its design or the volume of the service performed and the number of parts to be replaced. You should not pay more than 150-50 euros Therefore, the cost of regenerating a generator is clearly lower than buying a new component and replacing it.