Alternator brush lifespan

I just replaced the brushes on my 140,000 mile Tacoma (stock, no heavy amperage draw items). I’d estimate I could have gone another 30,000-40,000 miles on the original brushes..... Maybe this information might help someone out there.

 

That sounds about right. I've had them go bad around 135,000 miles on some older Toyotas, so depending on how much you use electric accessories 130,000-180,000 is about the range. I'd recommend everyone check and replace them before that instead of waiting until they go bad.

 

Like you said OP it all depends on electrical draw.

Last I got Brushes from Toyota they were a module you just replaced making it a very easy job.

 

Made it to a little under 300k on my 95

 

My brushes lasted 19 years, 324,000 miles in my original Denso alternator. When they finally wore out I replaced the alternator with aftermarket and then cleaned and refurbished the original with the brush kit sold by Toyota. It's in the garage sitting as a spare.

 

Mine went to about 325K. Of course they start going out in the dead of winter! I replaced them in an evening after dinner, that included cleaning up the commutator. Should be good for the next 300k!
On my other truck, I proactively replaced at. 150k since I had the alternator out doing the timing belt and was doing the “big 3” upgrade.

 

How do you replace the brushes?

 

Me too. When the time comes [so far 287,000] how easy to do brushes. When the time comes , it will be the wrong time of coarse

 

1-disconnect negative battery cable
2- Remove alternator from vehicle
3- remove end shroud from alternator, cleaning carbon dust as you go. Check for play in either bearing, replace them if needed
4- 2 screws hold the alternator kit into the alternator. Remove those, pull old brush kit.
5- gently clean commutator
6-you have to use something to depress the brushes in the new kit. Install
The brush kit and then allow brushes to spring against commutator.
7- remainder is reverse of a above. If you messed up your battery light will stay on.

 

Timmy the Toolman made a 29-minute video about replacing alternator brushes. Why don't you check it out (on YT, of course. Here's something to get you started.