Hello Everyone,

I've got a 2012 Accord LX that has about 123k miles on it, and I'm just trying to see if it's a good idea to go ahead and get the original alternator changed out before it goes bad?

Never have been able to tell what their true lifespan is supposed to be, so I'm just hoping for some decent advice or to at least hear people's experiences with this.

And if I do decide to change it out while it's still good, should all of the belts be changed out at the same time (not sure how many belts are under the hood) or anything else be done as well?

Any help is appreciated, thank you!

 

I mean, your choice in replacing the alternator as preventative is dependent on how you use the car and whether or not you think you can get a replacement that is equal to OEM. A lot of times, the aftermarket units are more trouble than they're worth.

On my subaru that I frequently drove into the middle of nowhere (and got to expense mileage), I replaced the OEM alternator with a new OEM alternator at about 175k as preventative.

If your car is a grocery getter, I'd run that OEM alternator out till death....

 

Not a grocery getter, but it doesn't go on thousand mile road trips either. :-)

I would absolutely get a Denso, no doubt about that.

 

On the 2012 LX, the power steering pump is right above the alternator. As long as there are no fluid leaks that can get into the alternator, and it is not dealing with a bad battery; the OEM alternator can go for some time.

I have over 285,000 miles on a 2009. I had planned to changed out the alternator brush pack and the front bearing as preventative years ago; but, never got around to it. I will do that if the alternator show signs of failing. Otherwise, I would only replace with Denso.

I used to travel long distances for work projects, which is the reason for the higher mileage.

 

Meh, I'd probably run it close to 200k before replacing it unless you had a really good reason you couldn't change one out when needed. In the past, I have been burned by replacing high dollar items and then someone hitting me and getting it totaled....which is not much for old good cars.