Just a caution on remanufactured parts. I have not had very good luck with them.

An alternator I bought failed in a month. At our bus garage, we received 2 half shafts for a Chevy van, they were installed and fell out as it was backed out of the garage. Upon inspection, there were not needle bearings installed in either of the CV joints, just the roller caps. They didn't even fall out, there were none in the grease. Over the years, I have avoided remanufactured parts whenever I can. When I've installed them, I've had about a 50% success rate the first time. If it's the difference of over $1000 dollars, as in a steering box, I would chance it. But when it comes to around $100, I don't think is is worth having to install it twice. I hate having to do things twice. Yes, you can get your money back, or a replacement, but that is not always easy.

A lot of mechanics I know have had so many problems with them that they also avoid them. It's not that remanufactured parts can't be good, they can be first rate, but I think a lot are put together in shops with low-skilled, poorly-paid workers who don't care.

Ok, that's my rant for the day.

I'll have a new one later.

Good advice.

I used to use reman parts on my transam and my suburban, and I did have an alternator fail on me in the transam. I luckily had the warranty and they replaced it.

Since owning newer vehicles, I prefer to stick with new replacement parts.

Problem is, even when they replace it with no problems, you still have to.

heh, very true. fortunately the alternator on the chevy 350ci 5.7L is about as simple to change as the air filter.

I had the same engine in a GMC truck, but I don't think I ever replaced the alternator. Oh, but then again, it wasn't at the bottom of the engine. Score one for GM.