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The alternator in my R33 GTSt is pretty much stuffed, but I'm finding it hard to source a replacement. I spoke to an auto electrician about reconditioning it but he doesn't think it's worth it with the Hitachi alternators and he couldn't find a new one.

What have other people done? Are there any aftermarket options or is genuine the only choice? Is the RB25det alternator the same as the RB30e?

Has anyone successfully recond an R33 alternator?

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well not a 33 one, but I have recoed 32 gtr and 31 alternators. I'm really surprised a good auto electrician wouldn't give it a shot. Definately don't buy a new one, maybe he was trying to scam you into that?

if you are in sydney I got mine exhange from the place cnr Princes Hwy and Canal Rd in Tempe, and it was cheap too. got my starter motor done at the same time.

Yeah, initially I thought that too, but he seemed pretty genuine. When I get a chance I'm going to ring around a few more places, I've had an R31 alternator reconditioned successfully so I don't see why the R33 would be different...

Ray at RE Customs will be able to recondition one for ya.

Mate of mine got his 33 reconditioned couple months ago.

He is located in East Melbourne 03 9548 3414.

Edited by bluey33

Hey mate,

I was in a similar situation few mths ago when my 34 alternator completely gave up...a brand new alternator from Nissan was $1100AUD ex Japan. I took it to my Mech (Evolution Automotive at Eight Mile Plains) and they got it reconditioned with new internals and a 12 mth warranty. Definately get it reco'ed...don't take a chance with 2nd hand ones as you will more than likely be back to square one later on.

Try changing the brushes yourself first its heaps easy, there like 3$ and usually the cause of most alternator failure (or reg).

Would one from a VL work? I got the same b/s about my hitachi and just replaced it with an old bosch unit (apparently bosch parts are much cheaper/easier to come by)

Turned out the brushes were fine, and while it wouldn't fail on the test bench the likely fault is one of the electrical components. Repairing it would have ended up costing the same as buying a new alternator off another nissan. Not sure what model it's from, but the part number is ARJ036 and it's rated at 100Amp rather than the standard 80Amp.

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