help me understand somethin if u can? how do these alternators go bad anyway? i don't have any idea of any factual or repetitive causes for alternators to fail. except for people running crazy ass sound systems on their car. my alternator went out @ 60k+ miles, i don't even have a system! except for the stock subwoof(n where the hell is the amp for that neway, is there one?)

i just want to know all the reasons why and how especially the major ones. also a good advice on the upkeep of the alternator. are there any high output univ. alternators for the 2.0 cobalts? i don't have anymore confidence with these alternators, its a bitch when ur car dies out on the highway crusing down exit to the streets and getting stuck at a light!

 

altenators and starters are a pretty common maintanance item as the mileage goes up.
60k miles is a bit on the young side....but not that unusual.

 

starters, oh yea...mine went out at 33k miles

 

the rectifier ( spelling) bridges inside the alternators fail. its a bunch of diodes that change it from AC- to DC volts. thats a cliff notes version

 

Another thing... an alternator is basically a big metal brush rotating on a bearing... bearings do go out and so do brushes....

 

yeah i may need a new one here but i am hoping i dont

 

Any moving part is subject to wear and tear, and alternators, being both constantly in motion and also dealing with electricty, tend to have shorter lifespans than some other parts.