R50/53 Replacing Alternator
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC
Replacing Alternator
Hi all,
Yesterday out Christmas shopping, my '05 MCS alternator died suddenly (I think). All of the sudden, ABS light, Brake light, battery light and a couple others all came on, lost power steering and after stopping in the parking lot, would not turn over like dead battery sounds. I asked a couple MINI friends and my mechanic son and they agreed a new alternator is in store, so ordered one. Question: How many hours of labor will this involve? I'm hiring my son in a friend's shop (only $20 rental fee!) and want to pay him accordingly. A dealer or business would probably charge a lot more than they should and my son is excellent.
Yesterday out Christmas shopping, my '05 MCS alternator died suddenly (I think). All of the sudden, ABS light, Brake light, battery light and a couple others all came on, lost power steering and after stopping in the parking lot, would not turn over like dead battery sounds. I asked a couple MINI friends and my mechanic son and they agreed a new alternator is in store, so ordered one. Question: How many hours of labor will this involve? I'm hiring my son in a friend's shop (only $20 rental fee!) and want to pay him accordingly. A dealer or business would probably charge a lot more than they should and my son is excellent.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 193
Likes: 2
From: Rochester, NY
This. It could also just be a broken belt but the crank pulley is a known fail item that would cause your issues.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 470
Likes: 100
From: SF Bay Area - Nor Cal
How many miles are on the car? It could very well be the alternator. The brushes in the alternator do wear out and cause it to no longer charge the battery.
We just replaced the alternator on my son's car at 220K miles. The brushes were the culprit. A rebuilt alternator went in and now the car is working like normal.
I'd say 2 hours tops to R&R the alternator. It's not hard at all. No need to remove the radiator. Just remove belt, put the car in front end service mode. Use some long M8 bolts to hold the radiator support out and away so you can get to the three bolts, plug and 10mm nut holding the alternator.
Put it all back together and away you go.
We just replaced the alternator on my son's car at 220K miles. The brushes were the culprit. A rebuilt alternator went in and now the car is working like normal.
I'd say 2 hours tops to R&R the alternator. It's not hard at all. No need to remove the radiator. Just remove belt, put the car in front end service mode. Use some long M8 bolts to hold the radiator support out and away so you can get to the three bolts, plug and 10mm nut holding the alternator.
Put it all back together and away you go.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 543
Likes: 8
From: Raleigh, NC
When the alternator goes the PS pump cuts off.
Mine failed at 126,000 miles, light went on when I was pulling into my driveway, whew !
Picked up a replacement at Advance Auto for $130 and all is well.
Mine failed at 126,000 miles, light went on when I was pulling into my driveway, whew !
Picked up a replacement at Advance Auto for $130 and all is well.
This is very true. Update to let us know what it was.
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,257
Likes: 15
From: Dover, NH
I did mine in 3 hours in my driveway including looking at instructions for service mode, since ive never done it. I agree that the radiator and the AC radiator do not need to be removed, then can be moved out of the way, I supported them with a 3 gal bucket. 4 bolts hold the alternator. the belt was the hardest thing, I even had the belt tool