alternator change?

[7cuero]

Hi guys

My GS was in for a 38k service this week and I was told that BMW now recommend an alternator change due to a noisy bearing
Any of you had the same problem? does the alternator bearing can be replaced? BMW told me that the bearing can't be change
I really appreciate your font of wisdom

Regards

Roberto

 

[wildbeeste]

Apart from changing the belt on mine I have never looked at a BMW alternator. BUT I have had several car alternators serviced in the past by local back street places. (Yellow Pages) They have done the business in a few hours on alternators that are "not serviceable" by main dealers and I have had no problems. It may be worth getting a price and inquiring.
The back street places sometimes had an alternator in stock ready to exchange.It was a little surprising to find a citroen badged alternator was in fact identical to a Lucas item from a Ford (or something similar)

 

[MattW]

+1 for little auto electricians.

A dealer won't want to get involved in changing bearings in bolt on ancillaries (and you probably wouldn't want to pay their labour charges ). However if was assembled then there's a pretty good chance it can be disassembled by someone with the right knowledge and tools.

I would guess that, as BM engines are so car like in their use of 'dry' ancillaries, that you'd have a good chance of getting an alternator either serviced or find a like for like compatible from a car.

 

[Fredrik]

Hi
I had my alternator in my car serviced.Nissan´s price was 600€ the price for getting it serviced was 170€ and it was returned to me looking like a brand new alternator.They replaced bearings and regulator and it was a replace only part according to Nissan.Look for a workshop that can service the alternator.
Fredrik

 

[Owen Snell]

Get a refurb or just the bearing replaced - main dealers just change the modules, they don't do repairs, so they can't do the job. That's not the same as the job being impossible to do.

 

[7cuero]

Thanks guys for your replies

I know that BMW do not spend time revamping alternators do you know a mechanic or garage that will do it?. If it's around Berkshire much better. Also, do you know the alternator model that probably can be replaced with one used on cars or other bikes, perhaps?

Thanks

Roberto

 

[SVENA]

alternator

The back street places sometimes had an alternator in stock ready to exchange.It was a little surprising to find a citroen badged alternator was in fact identical to a Lucas item from a Ford (or something similar)

On the older BMW engines the supplier was Bosch, used by BMW, Moto Guzi and a lot of other MC companies. Almost all backstreet dealers had them in stock. Old ones rebuild to new standard and as good as new ones, ½ the price.

 

[DrFarkoff]

My GS was in for a 38k service this week and I was told that BMW now recommend an alternator change due to a noisy bearing

If it's a noisy bearing then it is substandard! it should be changed as a recall or service replacement! Yet another cock up by BM! i.e. Not fit for purpose can you imagine then sayin to someone with a 3 series Ehm Well you need a new alternator we recommend changing them @ 38,ooo miles!!! I think not!

Tell them they can sort it out at their cost since you obviously have a service history with them? Then you are in a more favorable position than a lot of us mere mortals!

Otherwise check with a local "Old Hand" mechanic where they get their stuff overhauled or your Yellow pages for local auto electricians and ask them where they get their stuff refurbished

Good Luck

Be interesting to hear what BMW have to say??

 

[Gabby]

I had my belt changed at 35,000 miles and now at 62,000 miles thinking that I should change it again soon.

When I park the bike outside in the rain all day at work I get "fan belt squeal" for a few seconds then it goes after about 10 seconds after the cold start. Only when it's wet.

Obviously slipping as the "No Charging" warning light is on until the squeaking stops.

Also when cold it squeaks if I dump all the lights and grip heaters on straight away before allowing to warm up for half a mile?

Does anyone else get that or is my belt/alternator on death row

 

[Pukmeister]

If it were mine I'd change it, but if you do it yourself be careful when you stretch it over the pulleys when fitting as the belts are easily damaged unless you use the dedicated BMW tool or find a way to protect the belt as it goes on.

 

[sockpuppet]

Could be the tensioner.

 

[Gabby]

Could be the tensioner.

I did'nt think there was a tensioner on the 1200?

 

[Gabby]

If it were mine I'd change it, but if you do it yourself be careful when you stretch it over the pulleys when fitting as the belts are easily damaged unless you use the dedicated BMW tool or find a way to protect the belt as it goes on.

Yep I have read the threds on this. Last time I got BMW to do it...they won't sell the tool or does anyone know where to buy one?

 

[Wapping]

Yep I have read the threds on this. Last time I got BMW to do it...they won't sell the tool or does anyone know where to buy one?

Yes, they do sell the tool. It's a workshop part and is ordered in.

BuMW Park Lane, Battersea (Stewart's Road) sold me mine.

 

[Gabby]

Yes, they do sell the tool. It's a workshop part and is ordered in.

BuMW Park Lane, Battersea (Stewart's Road) sold me mine.

Thanks for that. I'll try again. BMW Oxford told me no and also won't selll me the gear box oil either.