Can cleaning oily alternator help? 2002 Pathfinder LE/~130K

[ss1]

Hi,

I am curious to know if trying to clean an intermittently working alternator after oil leak is a good fix/idea. Anyone else tried it?

Here is the history. I noticed a small oil leak/seep around power Steering pump and took the car to mechanic who suggested changing PS pump. After he changed it, the leak became much worse, I noticed table spoon of oil on the floor after a couple of days of parking.
After the PS pump change, alternator also stopped charging intermittently (Battery, brake and A/T Temp oil indicators came on.)
He then changed Suction Hose assembly and claims the oil leak is fixed and recommended I drive the car to burn off the oil which had come on alternator.
I drove the car a bit and noticed no charging but thought will try shop's recommendation just in case alternator comes back but car pretty much died on me. Called AAA to jump start and fortunately, alternator was working again and I drove straight to mechanic.
Tried again at the shop and alternator was not working(battery etc indicators on). Shop thinks I should change alternator.
I am not sure if I should be trusting them anymore.
Anyone has any suggestions/experience with this? Thanks...

[specv88]

I ran into a similar problem. I had a leaking power steering hose that leaked onto my alternator. After a few weeks of leaking the alternator burned out. The mechanic told me a new hose and labor was around $450 or he could patch the one I had temporarily. I only had enough cash for the new alternator so that was replaced and he put a thick gear oil in the power steering pump which did the trick for about 6 months. The leak is now worse and the new alternator is now burned. Moral of the story, follow the mechanics recommendation.

[atraudes]

The fact they told you to try burning the oil off is a bit janky; the shop I go to would probably have done that themselves to see if there would be an issue.

Some people have had luck giving it a thorough cleaning with CRC electronics cleaner, so that may be worth a shot if you have the time and means. Taking it out will let you be more thorough. Replacing it will absolutely fix it, so I guess it's a matter of what you're up for.