Alternator brushes - change them!

Its been said around here that the brushes were on of the two or three things that most need to be looked after on our bikes, with the others being a new fuse block and a fuel filter. I'd done the fuse block (because of problems it gave me) and put a fuel filter on because I didn't want to have to pull down the carbs again for some tiny piece of trash.

I bought some brushes but never got one of those round tuits to change them. Monday night I finally got my round tuit. I was three hours from home just before dark in heavy traffic on interstate 35 in a construction zone when the bike died suddenly. I was doing good to be able to get it off the road. I got to wait on the side of a load and busy highway while my wife loaded up some things and brought them to me. All avoidable. My bike had 28500 miles when that happened. I noticed in the maintenance manual tonight that the first replacement is recommended at 8000 Miles and subsequent changes at 10000. They're cheap and easy to change. don't let them strand you too. Chacal stocks them.

 

What is (round tuits) Do I need this to changes the brushes? I am getting
ready to check my brushes Sat and I just wanted to make sure I didn't
need any special tools

 

Getting AROUND TO IT. Something we never seem to do until too late, or you have a round tuit ISSUED to you like Mike did.

Mike; It depends on the bike and how it's ridden too. My '81 550 NEVER had the brushes so much as looked at, so I was sweating bullets at 18K.

The brushes looked brand new, and based on the amount of "meat" left past the wear limit indicator mark, they were only about 1/3 worn if that.

The set I bought from Len are in my parts drawer waiting 'til they're needed.

I think the best policy is to at least look at them every 10,000 miles.

Now go look at your rear brake shoes, PLEASE. http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... art=0.html

 

Yep, you need a round tuit to do anything on your bike As Bigfitz says it means getting around to it, and its something that some of us have a problem with some times - like me!

The only thing you'll need will be an Allen wrench. Getting the wire bushing reinstalled is a small pain but not a bg thing. You'll see what I mean when you get it apart.

Good luck,
Mike

 

Those brushes can also be found at small engine shops locally if your in a hurry and don't want to wait for them to be shipped (sorry Chacal) Some auto stores can cross-refernce them and find ones that work also. There are some out there that are pretty close to the same design that work also.
I noticed the old brushes I took out of my 12v 2000 lb. electric winch are identical to the ones out of my Yamaha alternator and would also work in a pinch if needed.
You'd be surprised how many parts that can be cross referenced at some auto stores that are identical to original equipment parts (ie: Bearings, solenoids, electric fuel pumps, etc.) So it's worth the time to do some research before ordering more expensive OEM parts. Just a thought.

 

Thanks, I just hit 30k so I know it's time to look at them.
I just put new tires on last season and the breaks looked good.

 

There is one other thing to consider. After you have removed the cover, the brushes are held in with two screws. Mine were stuck and from reading I've done here that's not uncommon. I used a small pair of vice grips and got them out with little trouble, others would use one of those impact tools to loosen them. Some anti seize applied to the screws will avoid tht problem in the future.
Mike