R56 Correct Alternator for R56 Base
#1
Correct Alternator for R56 Base
I am now a minor expert on R56 alternators.
After discussions with two Mini parts men and many auto parts folk, here's what I've learned. (Note, I have a 2009 base hatch. Your mileage may vary)
The R56 base used two different alternators. They are NOT interchangeable. You cannot tell which you have by your Vin#. You must inspect your alternator.
The two alternators are shown below. One is a Bosch 150 amp, the other a Valeo 120 amp.
The good news is that you can determine which you have by looking under the hood. You can use these illustrations to compare with your alternator and figure it out with no dismantling.
BTW, at 118K, my belt is really worn. Should have been replaced a while ago!
Lipofsky.com
After discussions with two Mini parts men and many auto parts folk, here's what I've learned. (Note, I have a 2009 base hatch. Your mileage may vary)
The R56 base used two different alternators. They are NOT interchangeable. You cannot tell which you have by your Vin#. You must inspect your alternator.
The two alternators are shown below. One is a Bosch 150 amp, the other a Valeo 120 amp.
The good news is that you can determine which you have by looking under the hood. You can use these illustrations to compare with your alternator and figure it out with no dismantling.
BTW, at 118K, my belt is really worn. Should have been replaced a while ago!
Lipofsky.com
The following 2 users liked this post by Lipofskyphoto:
930 Engineering (08-29-2021),
mkov608 (12-16-2018)
#2
#3
ModMini has a great video on replacing our R56 Alternators!
As he says, have an E10 and T25 Torx handy. You'll also need an E10 box wrench, or. as MiniMod recommends, you can use a 12 point 8mm ratcheting box.
I got a small E set that had the E10 at Autozone for $10. Got an 8mm Gearwrench ratcheting box wrench for $10 at Advance Auto.
This was after checking Lowes, Harbour Freight, Tractor Supply, County Store, O'Reilly's. Phew!
As he says, have an E10 and T25 Torx handy. You'll also need an E10 box wrench, or. as MiniMod recommends, you can use a 12 point 8mm ratcheting box.
I got a small E set that had the E10 at Autozone for $10. Got an 8mm Gearwrench ratcheting box wrench for $10 at Advance Auto.
This was after checking Lowes, Harbour Freight, Tractor Supply, County Store, O'Reilly's. Phew!
The following users liked this post:
930 Engineering (08-29-2021)
#5
From another post, there is a third alternate from Mitsubishi used with the factory ran out of others late April '08 to early June '08.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...problem-2.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...problem-2.html
The following users liked this post:
930 Engineering (08-29-2021)
#6
Job finished.
The Modmini video above was invaluable!!! Made the job trouble free. I strongly advise you to view that video before starting the job.
If you use the video, give the guy a tip. He saved so much trouble!
Gotta hand it to Mini. Changing the belt is super easy!
Changed coolant and hoses while I had the front end in service mode.
Broke some clips while removing grill. I had trouble visualizing where they were and how they worked. Fortunately, the one clip remaining in the center and the upper fasteners hold the grill perfectly.
The Modmini video above was invaluable!!! Made the job trouble free. I strongly advise you to view that video before starting the job.
If you use the video, give the guy a tip. He saved so much trouble!
Gotta hand it to Mini. Changing the belt is super easy!
Changed coolant and hoses while I had the front end in service mode.
Broke some clips while removing grill. I had trouble visualizing where they were and how they worked. Fortunately, the one clip remaining in the center and the upper fasteners hold the grill perfectly.
The following users liked this post:
930 Engineering (08-29-2021)
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