What is the average lifespan of an LR3 alternator?

[PaulLR3]

Those of you that have replaced your alternator - at what mileage did it fail?

I have a whirling noise coming out of the front of the engine at start-up on cold mornings. Sounds like an electric mixer. It's probably a pulley, tensioner, water pump or alternator on the way out.

At nearly 90K miles, my thought is to do it all at once - pulleys, tensioners, belts, hoses, water pump, thermostat and new coolant. Not sure if I should replace the alternator as well.

We have some long trips planned for the summer and I figure most of these items are getting worn out and could leave us stranded if they fail.

 

[cmb6s]

I am all about preventive maintenance, but I don't think I've ever had an alternator fail at that mileage. I can't speak specifically to the LR3, but I've had 212k miles on an Accord w/no alt failures, 181k miles on an A4 where it just now had a failure, and 85k and 101k miles on two LRs with no alt failures. I believe the most common part to wear out is simply the brushes or the regulator which fails. I would be more concerned about the water pump (but again... don't know the failure rate on these) and the tensioner.

 

[roverman]

103,000. If my experience is any indicator, you have about 2-3 weeks from whine to Christmas tree of faults.
I think the alternator was about $190. Get it tested, or whatever but replace sooner rather than later.

 

[Slumpbuster]

Mine started the whine and lasted less than 10 minutes until I got a low power warning on my radio. I fortunately knew what was happening and drove it directly across town to the dealer. It failed at 62,000 miles but was covered by my extended warranty.

 

[Houm_WA]

~95,000 Miles

 

[Seilars]

Mine was replaced at 75k by previous owner.
2008 LR3, now 86k.

 

[PaulLR3]

Thanks everyone, for $200 I'm going to replace it now. It will reduce my chances of sitting stranded on the shoulder of I-95 on a hot summer day with the wife, kids & dog.

 

[twoboarders]

Mine went out at 92k. Had the whine at first start up in the morning. Would go away after warm up. Did this for about 2 months before crapping out. New one was $700.00 installed at dealer.

 

[Spooky704]

Take the belt off.Run engine a few seconds.This will show problem,whether pulley,centre bearing or alternator.Probably alternator bearings.Good luck,Spooky


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[mzrocstock]

QUICK QUESTION- So if "Low Power" pops up on the radio screen that means the alternator is on it's way of going out? Thanks