mark barron wrote:
> hsg@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
wrote:
>> On Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:39:55 -0400, mark barron
>> <mbarron@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>>
>>> I want to remove the voltage regulator to check the brushes.
>>> I hope someone can help me with the removal of the cover on
>>> the back cover of the alternator on my 2001 e39 530i. The connector
>>> to the back of the alternator is retangular with two to three
>>> locations wired. Based on shape of the connector I have been told
>>> that the alternator is Bosch. Based on this retangular shape and
>>> "experience" the BMW parts guy told me it is a 120 amp Bosch.
>>> The car is a few miles away and I lack reading glasses to
>>> read writing at back of alternator.
>>> I removed the nuts at the red positive battery cable and the nut
>>> under the rubber cover(with fins or ridges) . This allows me
>>> to swing the top portion or the alternator back cover away from
>>> the body say 1/2". There appears to be a third fastener near the
>>> bottom of the back cover. There is a tapering concavity at this
>>> position. Can anyone tell me how to remove this fastener. The
>>> concavity is - based on finger feel, perhaps large enough to allow
>>> entrance of say an 8mm socket. I don't need to know the size of
>>> the bit, but it would help me a lot it you could tell me the
>>> type of head I am dealing with, torx, hex, slot etc.
>>> Many thanks. I can't see a thing. even with an angled mirror.
>>> Mark
>>
>> Looking at the exploded views on the parts list it appears that the
>> case is
>> bolted together with through bolts. These hold the front and rear
casing
>> together as do all other makes. The regulator is held by (apparently)
>> 2 bolts or
>> nuts and it appears that it could also carry the brushes but I don't
>> think so.
>>
>> I would suggest that if you have already removed the cooling ducting
>> and the
>> alternator from the vehicle you clamp it in a vice and undo the 3
>> through bolts
>> and gently tap the end cover off the rotor bearing spigot.
>>
>> It will become clearer then how the brushes are fitted - usually by
>> long springs
>> or small coiled levers on the top of the carrier.
>>
>> The trick in keeping them inside the slide prior to refitting the rear
>> case can
>> be difficult.
>>
>> In the past we used to twist the coiled lever springs to sit on the
>> edge of the
>> brush carrier and when in place poke them into place with a bit of rod
>> or long
>> thin screwdriver.
>>
>> When you have the cover off get a fine hacksaw blade and clean out the
>> commutator segment spacers - these get filled by carbon dust from the
>> brushes
>> and eventually will conduct between the segments and cause an internal
>> short
>> circuit. Make sure the commutator surfaces are flat and clean - a
>> piece of emery
>> paper is Ok for this unless you can remove the pulley and take out the
>> rotor and
>> machine the thing in a lathe.
>>
>> If going to this trouble it might be better to get a re-built unit
>> from an auto
>> electrician - that is if you are sure the alternator is faulty - he
>> can check
>> this for you while you wait and watch.
>>
>> Hugh
> Dear Hugh,
>
> Thank you for your kind reply. I appreciate you taking the time to
> share your thoughts and experience. I did a poor job of explaining
> my problem. Please view the exploded view of alternator from realoem.com
> below:
>
>
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DT53&mospid=47587&btnr=12_1084&hg=12&fg=22
>
>
> If you enter the final 7 digits of your VIN number upon entry to the
> website, you are directed to parts of your car!
>
> I can not remove part #3 to access part #2. BMW , at least in the 5
> series, has opted for puting the alternator brushes in the voltage
> regulator. I think this is clever.
>
> The view above shows one single fastener to hold the cover on. I have
> removed two and am convinced there is a third fastener, low and a bit
> to the outboard side.
> I have decided to get physical with the plastic cover and to break it if
> necessary. I feel I can then repair it with epoxy.
>
> Best Wishes, Mark
I no longer need help. With a mechanics mirror and a flashlight, I was
able to see the philips head on the third fastener.
Mark
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