What makes a car alternator go bad?
Alternators supply power to a car’s accessories and the engine after the engine is started. The alternator also keeps the battery charged. There are a number of problems that can cause an alternator to go bad.BearingThe bearings in an alternator allow the rotor to spin freely. Defective and worn out bearings cause heat buildup and excessive wear of the rotor shaft.BrushesThe brushes supply power to the rotor through physical contact with the slip rings. Brushes wear down over time and can cause alternator failure.Excessive HeatExcessive heat can wear down the thin insulation coating on the rotor and stator coils. This can cause shorts and reduced alternator output.Voltage RegulatorThe voltage regulator is a sealed electronic circuit that controls the power output of the alternator. A defective regulator can cause reduced voltage output or excessive voltage output which could overheat the battery or damage other on-board devices.PulleyThe pulley holds the belt that spins the rotor.
