Lost $180 on a reman alternator that lasted 6 weeks

I thought I was being smart buying a remanufactured alternator from one of the big chain parts stores instead of a brand new one. Figured it would save me some cash on my 2005 F-150. Well six weeks later I'm sitting in a parking lot in Lexington with a dead battery and no warning. The voltage regulator went out inside the alternator and it overcharged the battery until it boiled dry. Got it tested and the shop said the internal windings were already starting to fail too. So now I'm out the $180 plus another tow bill and I still need to buy a proper replacement. Has anyone else had better luck with reman parts or am I just unlucky?

1 comments

1 Comment

hugobarnes1mo ago

Those reman parts from chain stores are a gamble every time. They swap just enough bad parts back in to keep costs low. Better off shelling out for a new one from a reputable brand and calling it done.