'91 Accord - repair cost for new alternator

Hi,

The local autoshop quoted me $450 to install a new alternator on my
'91 Accord. Isn't that quote on the high side? Any advice would be
appreciated.

TIA

Gerry

 

1) What country's dollars are those? US? CAN? AUS?
2) Does that price include the alternator?
3) Is the quoted alternator new or remanufactured, and is it from the
dealer?

A reman in US dollars from Manchester Honda is about $200 plus shipping.

If you're using US dollars for your $450, that's roughly 2.5-3 hours labor
to replace, which *is* pretty high. Maybe they're confusing the Accord with
the Civic/Integra of that year, where the drivshaft needs to be pulled to
replace the alternator?

 

The cost of just the part alone is about $220, using OEM and online parts
sites. I'd figure maybe an hour of book labor, so maybe $300 total would be
a fair price. Kinda depends on the part of the country in which you live.

I suggest calling a dealership and asking how much they'd charge. They
should be able to give you a decent estimate.

In 1999, I paid $236 (part) + $96 (labor) for a new alternator on my 1991
Civic at a dealership. At most, that was probably book rate of 1.5 hours.
The part was probably marked up.

 

Seems a little steep to me.

I was quoted "about $400" in the US in the south for my 90 accord.
Ended up doing it myself this summer. Seems like aftermarket reman was
about $150 or so at advance auto parts and took me about 2 hours to do
the job. Only thing that takes time is that several things have to be
removed to get to it, then replaced. Power steering pump and I
believe the cruise actuator cable bracket. Wasn't that bad of a job
and I had never done one before.

Frank

 

depending on what is wrong with it, it can be rebuilt for about $10. New
bearings and brushes, get them from an alternator repair shop. You may even
be able to get them installed there.

However, if your stator is damaged at all, you need a whole new unit.

t

 

I think you're right, but in my case small town, no alternator shops.
Mine indicated brush failure as the culprit, that is the lack of
charging was intermittant like a brush that is worn just out of reach
of a commutator.

Do you know any sources for brushes online or mail order? Also for
brushes for radiator fan motors? The few I've found did not have the
sizes I need.

Frank