Alternator brush question

[Rockosmith]

Does anyone know what a realistic life for the alternator brushes is?? Ever had to replace them?

[CycleRob]

Never heard of anyone having to replace them. The brushes are part of the voltage regulator, a $124.68 part. The alternator itself is listed as $808.48

Don't worry about it. That car alternator is possibly the most reliable assembly on the whole bike.

[Rockosmith]

Thanks Cyclerob...Good to know.

[def38]

I wounder what compelled you to ask about the brush in your alternator?

[Rockosmith]

Easier to fix in my garage than beside the road, a.k.a. preventive maintenance. I know that brushes have a finite life, as does most everything else, and if the alternator quits, you won't get far.

[def38]

Easier to fix in my garage than beside the road, a.k.a. preventive maintenance. I know that brushes have a finite life, as does most everything else, and if the alternator quits, you won't get far.

Generally, the most frequent alternator failure is the bridge rectifier/voltage regulator. As for the BMW's alternator, I have never heard of one failing. I would leave the alternator alone in favor of rebuilding the FD on a high mileage (75,000 miles) Paralever equipped BMW.