Alternators & Parts

A typical alternator has a two-piece cast aluminum housing enclosing a stator and a shaft-mounted rotor. The pulley and a cooling fan are mounted on the shaft at the front of the drive end housing, which also contains a bearing to support the shaft. In addition to another shaft support bearing, the rear housing also contains the brushes, rectifier assembly, and voltage regulator, if equipped. The rectifier assembly contains diodes and heat sinks.

Electricity is produced when the belt spins the rotor inside the stator windings, creating a magnetic field that induces a voltage in the windings. Alternators produce AC current, which is rectified by the diodes and transformed into the DC current that recharges the battery and powers the electrical system. The voltage output of the alternator must be controlled to prevent undercharging or overcharging. This is done by varying the field current. On older vehicles this was done by an external or internal voltage regulator, but on most new vehicles regulator function is part of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

We offer both brand new and remanufactured alternators from the most well-known and respected names in the automotive electrical parts industry. Every alternator meets or exceeds original equipment specifications for charging system performance. All are designed to be direct replacements, and will mount to your engine and connect to the electrical system in the same manner as your original alternator. Whether new or remanufactured, only premium quality components are used during assembly, and each alternator is thoroughly tested to ensure peak performance and long term durability.

There are many nice reasons to make a transition to a high-output alternator. Many of you whose vehicle is far from stock may have already experienced the need for a higher-amperage alternator. When the electrical load of all the extra accessories you add up to your ride increases significantly, your stock alternator fails to handle that. You may have a customized street rod, a race car with an array of on-board electronics or a high-end stereo system in your vehicle or – in any of the cases a high quality performance alternator is something you won't regret buying.

The high-powered units we offer at CARiD's shelves are the premium quality alternators that can put out a higher level of amperage. So if you come to realize that you need to replace your stock alternator with a higher-powered aftermarket unit, we are here to help you choose the best one. When it comes to getting a performance alternator, you should never worry about choosing an alternator with a rated output that's too high. Because your alternator can supply only as much electrical current as a particular component of your vehicle demands, and no more. So you can rest assured knowing that your new high-output alternator will not damage your charging system, even if you go high with the amps.