Yesterday I started getting a whining/humming sound at idle. The sound seems to increase with increased RPM. Disconnected the negative lead and car shut off in about 3sec. Headlights also get brighter when revving engine....So my guess is the alternator. Gonna have it checked later today or tomorrow.

So where is the best place to buy an alternator. Ebay sketches me a bit, (for example, a lifetime warranty on a part with 85k miles on it http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Alter...Q5fAccessories but if others have had luck with particular sellers, then I may opt to go that route.

 

I bought a 160 amp alternator from bnrparts on ebay about 10 months ago, and havent had any problems with it whatsoever.

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/bnrpar...dkw=&_osacat=0

All his alternators come with a warranty, and spoke with him over the phone to help when I needed a little info help with the install. Very nice guy and good seller w/ good parts.

 

thanks for the reply, I'll keep them in mind...how was the install? any special tools needed?

 

It wasnt too bad. Took me about two hours total time, but I also replaced both the power steering and alternator belts while I was down there.

Here are a few guides that pretty much walk you through what you need to do...

http://www.justanswer.com/questions/...-nissan-maxima

http://members.csinet.net/tisch/maxima/alternator.htm

Hope this helps!

 

What's the rating of the Stock Alternator, 125? I need to replace mine with my build, and i've been looking for a High Output alternator. Stinger doesn't make one for our cars, so I'm thinking a custom one is needed. I might look into the 160 amp one that was mentioned above.

 

Ohio Generator makes HO alty's.

 

Did you have a lift? How about tools...have to use any long extenders or swivels??? I'm wondering if I can get this done with a basic mechanic tool set and save myself a couple hundred dollars on the install

 

You don't need a lift. You need some good wrenches and ratchets/sockets and you should be fine. Might need an extender, I don't remember. Swivel, you don't need.

The hardest part is maneuvering the AC compressor while removing/replacing the alternator.

 

I really want to attempt this but I can't afford one of those classic "oh ****" moments this week...way too many things going on.

I did find a shop that quoted me $100 labor. Sounds like that might be a very fair price

 

I would say ebay...

 

I was expecting one of those too- but no issue.

That's a very fair price. They probably don't realize the pain of the location of the compressor. Make sure they stick to the price and go for it.

 

stock is 110A

 

Did the whining sound go away after you replaced the alternator?

 

Advance Auto has the Nissan refurb lifetime warranty alts. Plug and play.