QA alternator replaced, done!

[aaronl]

I just finished replacing my QA alternator. God! What an ordeal. Thanks for all the advice I found in this forum. I would get stuck then come to the computer and search some more.

I went with the dealer reman as suggested. I would not want to do this again. It took me a good 10 hours. This was my first time to work on my Q. I also replaced the fan which had cracks all arround the hub. Was this a waste of $75 or a good idea?

I saw that my steering rack is leaking and needs boots. After reading here I will replace the boots and blow off the leaks.

Thanks yall'aaron

[elwesso]

If your fan had cracks, its only time before it failed...

Prolly could have gone longer, but not worth the risk.....

[911/Q45]

Very good idea to replace the cracked fan, failure could take a radiator with it or worse. If you aren't going to fix the leaky rack, don't bother to replace the boots. Keep the fluid topped up and be alert for the binding that indicates a failing rack. Better to fix it right now than get stranded later.

[AlabamaDan]

The guys at T3 said that the leaky racks are common. Mine leaks and I haven't fixed it yet. I think they recommended replacing the entire setup with some aftermarket brand that they've found to be better than OEM. I think...

[Q45tech]

Aftermarket seal rebuilds are much cheaper than oem/dealer supplied total rebuilds, but our price conscious customers are not sensitive to operation [straight ahead wear limits- steering slop and slack], ...............just price.

Leaking racks are so common from not changing and flushing PS fluid.My oem rack/pump is still fine after 15 year [in January] and 270,000 miles on 3rd set of rack boots and 2nd set of rack bushings.

The 11 year old [newly purchased] 1994-95 are starting to come in needing $3,000-$6,000 worth of work.......the usual valve cover plenum, knock sensors, shocks, brakes, suspension, steering racks, alternators, water pump, pullies, rads, fans, AC and HVAC.........traction control malfunctions. Fuel pumps and controllers

At least the ABS, drive shaft, chain guide, visor, glove box, and to some extent transmission and Bose [90-93] problems are gone or reduced.........replaced by the HVAC heater door $1000 and multiplex body control modules, traction control motors/pumps and the redesigned cats.

Rarely change wiper motors, ps pumps, CAS, ignition modules and coils, injectors, EGR, ABS, HVAAC displays, dash displays.

A 94-95 without traction or active is a very reliable vehicle unless abused or not maintained.

[Q45tech]

Amazing that you can buy a $50,000 [in 1994 dollars] Q for 10 cents on the dollar [really only $3,500 in 1994 dollars but $5,000 today] and only need to spend another $5,000 in [inflated dollar parts] [and 30-40 hours of labor] to make it almost like new again.

[AlabamaDan]

Wow Dennis with the list of all the things you stated wrong with 94s I guess mine was in good shape considering what it could've been.

[natsoundup]

congratulations on the alternator....one of the toughest of the DIY repairs.

I think if you turkey basted the fluid out of there and put in some transmission fluid with stop leak...it may help your seals... I am not much of a believer in products like this...but for p/s it could help a lot...at least as a stop gap.

[Q45denver]

A 94-95 without traction or active is a very reliable vehicle unless abused or not maintained.

Dennis:What is the failure rate on the TCS and at what mileage should one expect problems? Will turning the system off and just using it in the winter prolong its useful life?

[Q45denver]

I remember replacing mine with the A/C compressor out. Don't recall it being very difficult.