Replace Alternator Decoupler or Alternator?

[sbebenelli]

When a car comes in with a bad alternator decoupler do you replace just the decoupler or do you replace the whole alternator?

[nickscarcare]

Usually here we just quote the alternator, we do give options if available and explain the pros and cons of both ways.

[Jeff @ Able Auto]

Same here. Have the tool kit for the decoupler, used it once.

[steven kiser]

Mileage, condition, battery condition to see if alternator has been overworking, how customer has felt in the past about doing work to avoid future issues and how I feel letting a potential "come back" leave the shop. I never loose sight of the fact that no matter what I do if something happens there will always be someone around who knows nothing willing to explain how they would have handled it helping the person onto the victim bandwagon. Sometimes issues like this go beyond will it or will it not fail, it goes to what the person is going to post on the internet and how being blamed is going to effect me. That's my opinion for what i's worth..................................................

[Tim Martin]

I am thinking along the same line as Steve. The one thing about these kind of repairs is that no 2 situations are alike and that is somewhat where Steve was going with his comments. Here at our shop, we usually will replace the alternator as a unit. Currently, I do not have the tool to simply replace the pulley by itself. Most of our customers, if given the opportunity to say so, would be willing to spend a few more dollars and have a warranty on the alternator as a new unit rather than go the cheapest dollar route.

[brianp87]

It would be a rare case for me to do just the decoupler. I think of the alternator failing later and it has a new decoupler on it how do we warranty that. Not all situations are the same Its kinda like replacing a a/c clutch.

[sbebenelli]

Thanks for the replies. We have always just replaced the alternator. I didn't know how others handled it. It's nice to know others do the same thing.