Replace alternator or just brushes?

I have a 1991 Honda Accord that still has the original factory alternator in it (173k miles). The charge light came on and I took it to an auto electric shop today and he simply said it needed a new alternator.

How does one know if all one needs is to replace the brushes or if the alternator really does need to be replaced?

Thanks,
Tim

typically if it's still rotating just fine and not making noise then you can just replace the brushes and it will start charging properly again...

First  off  Welcome to the best Little Honda forum on the net ..
I would  do the brushes as well,,  Honda sells them ,,, HOLDER+ BRUSHES
part #  31105-PR7-AO1.  $ 26.43

i just replaced the brushes on my alternator, only 365,000 miles on the first set

that's it? only 365,000 miles? good lord that's a lot of driving.... what year is your car?

I got the brush holder out...not too hard...The Honda dealers in my area all say they would have to order this part. Should I wait for them to get one in or would an auto electric shop carry one that is just as good as the Honda one?
 
Thanks

www.hondapartswarehouse.com

In my opinion those are cheap enough and the job is easy enough to do I'd try the auto electric parts place and if they caused a problem then order the honda ones....unless it doesn't make any difference to you how long it takes to do the job then I'd just go to that link I provided and order them online..

it's a 92 lx 2 dr, that has 387,000 on it now, gonna have to replace the oil pan it finally striped had to go oversize

quote:

ORIGINAL: incountry

it's a 92 lx 2 dr, that has 387,000 on it now, gonna have to replace the oil pan it finally striped had to go oversize

 go to our DIY  section there is a write up on how to fix stripped oil pan plugs ..
 You DO NOT have to replace the pan

Do the brushes get any kind of lubricant before they are installed back on the shaft?
 
Thanks,
 
Tim

Thanks for all the good counsel.
Put the new brushes/holder in today and and the alt is charging well.
While I was in there I changed out the spark plug gasket rings and the valve cover gasket and cleaned the inside of the valve cover.
 
Again, thanks...
 
Tim