5th Gen Alternator Longevity?

So what is the consensus on how long the alternators last before needing to be replaced or rebuilt? Almost at 100k on the ‘14 and may look to replace before it wears out.

Take alot of 4-5 hour trips with the family and prefer to not get stranded.

TIA

 

I owned a 2010 FJ Cruiser, which is the same engine. The alternator was still working well at 161,000. I would have replaced it at 175,000 even if it was still working. So you should be good for at least another 50,000. These alternators today tend to go a long time before needing replacement.

Back in the 1970's the alternators would need replaced/rebuilt at around 60,000. And the earlier generators from the early 1960's and back would need rebuilt around 40,000. LOL Just a little nostalgia added here.

 

Thank you. 150k it is!

 

I’ve never heard of replacing alternators as a preventative maintenance. Isn’t that a bit like replacing a light bulb before it goes out?

 

My 3rd Gen alternator was working great at 249K when I sold it. However I preemptively replaced the water pump and thermostat twice and the radiator. Belts, hoses, plug wiring were replaced once. You just have to visually check and test things and replace them before failure. Always use OEM.
Here’s a generic article on alternator etc testing:
https://www.aa1car.com/library/charging_checks.htm

 

If there was an average mileage id rather replace a component for piece of mind.

 

I can see doing a preemptive replacement on some things. I had a Sienna with timing belt. The water pump was replaced at that time, because it was essentially a small step to add once you had the timing belt off. It was all right there, and if you had to do a pump 20,000 miles after a belt, its like doing the job all over again.

Most alternators Ive had have been easy removals, so If it failed, you just replaced it then and there. How hard is the 5th gen alternator to remove?

 

Doesnt look too hard. Its the wifes vehicle and she and kids sometimes take long trips without me. Id rather replace if there is an average mileage they fail at rather than have to deal with them breaking down somewhere hours away.

 

Its a denso,.. itll out last you.

 

Fair enough I’d gander a guess that both mileage and age would be considerations. Unless it was a dud, I would guess an high mileage, low age alternator is more reliable than a an older one with lower miles…total guess though.

Couple of (non 4runner) data points. My last two long-term cars i owned for 16 and 21 years respectively. Both had over 220,000miles and never needed an alternator.

 

Unless its a 2019 Denso fuel pump........

 

True story!

 

Beat me to it. No need to replace an alternator before it needs it. Asking for trouble, IMO.

 

My prior car was a 2005 Honda CR-V, made in Japan. Sold it with the original alt at 284k.

 

Not a 4R, but 228k miles on my 07 Volvo, still on the original alternator. I WILL be replacing/rebuilding soon, because the bearings are getting loud. But that's giving me plenty of warning.

 

Sold my 97’ Tacoma with 261k miles with the original alternator, no issues. I’ll bet it’s still running.

If you’re one of those deep water crossing enthusiasts, then I might be concerned, but otherwise, I wouldn’t sweat it.

 

Thats why my other vehicle is a Honda CR-V. They run &run. Even cheaper to drive than my 4runner. practically zero maintenance dollars spent and good on gas too.

 

I had a 95 Honda Civic. Almost 40 mpg on highway.

great car clocked nearly 300k miles, but I spent more on it as far as maintenance through its life than my Tacoma.

 

Technology. Amazing that the electronics now often outlast the mechanicals in later vehicles. 40+ years ago it was just the opposite.

 

If you think like this might as well replace the water pump, radiator, blinker fluid.

 

8 years, 117k very harsh climate. Still fine.

 

Yup. And believe it or not, I just replaced the original battery in February of this year. Apparently they have a long lifespan in these vehicles because it's located in the car under the floor in the back.

 

Where you live also affects battery life. The battery in my FJ cruiser was dead after 2 1/2 years in Florida.

But putting an AGM battery in the ass of the vehicle is good for its lifespan.

 

For me, I'm in RI. In the same year we can be slightly below zero, and over 100 and humid. The car spent the first 5 years of its life in NH, which is colder.

It was a snap to change, the hardware and cable connections looked brand new.

 

its not a honda alternator. proceed with confidence lmao. my '03 SR5 v6 went 200k before needing an alternator.

 

Op-,
Do you water forge a ton.? No.? (I can already tell by your OG post) then id worry about other stuff.

 

Thanks Kyle, I will confer with Karen.

 

Thanks Kyle!