Alternator Question(checking brushes)

So I took off the cover, and unscrewed the holder from the cover.
I then measured the brush extending from the holder @ 10 mm, and the wear marks are a few mm from the holder.
I assume they are too short and that the wear marks are NOT visible when they are new, is this right?

#2 Is there something I can use to clean what I assume is the rotor?

#3 Is the alternator always greasy? I had to clean my hands twice after touching the coil thingy......

#4 What is the procedure for replacing these brushes?

You help is always appreciated guys, I think Chacal appreciates my business too

 

8.5 mm is the service limit.

Check here for cleaning

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... arter.html


Mine was very dirty but not greasy...

 

Dude, I checked the price of those brushes at the dealer, WOAH MAMA..
they were $50 EACH !!!!

 

And a far more reasonable price at Chacal's shop. Give him a jingle.

 

If you can see the marks they're NOT worn out. Those marks are the wear LIMIT marks, when they disappear (worn away) then the brushes are too short. Don't be surprised; the book says replace at 10K miles so I looked at mine at 20K miles (550 but I don't think it matters) and they were virtually NEW (ok, maybe 1mm worn away.) The PO had NOT replaced them, they just hadn't worn much in 20K miles. Flabbergasted, I posted a question about this and one of the answers I got was from a member who got 60K out of his before they actually needed to be replaced. Use brake and contact cleaner to clean everything up in there and you should be good. Mine had never been apart EVER and was a bit grungy/grubby/greasy but not excessively. As long as you don't see OIL in there you're OK. I hung onto the spare set of brushes, with holder, I got from Chacal for around $20. My not need 'em in MY lifetime...

 

So what is the correct procedure for measuring????
While in holder, only measuring the visible section. OR
Removed from the holder?????

They are pushed out by a spring(i pressed them in several times)
but a gentle tug did not remove them from the holder....

<><>I will by some brake cleaner and use a tooth brush on them<><>Answer to question #2
<>I will leave the grease alone on the coil and assume it is StandardOpperatingProcedure<>Answer to question #3

So questions 1 & 4 are still fair game, anyone know?

 

I compared mine to an new set., which is how I knew they had only worn 1mm or so in 20K miles. As long as you have a good 2-3mm of "meat" left past the marks (toward the exposed ends) they're fine. I THINK (but not 100% sure) that the 8.5mm is their total MINIMUM length. That's why they put the wear marks there. No need to remove them from the holder.

 

Another senior moment - thanks Fitz... Don't know what I was thinking

I went looking for the alternator pics and wound up in the starter. Anyway no good instructions or pictures in my Haynes PDF - Sorry

 

Bill; Aren't those pictures of STARTER MOTOR brushes?