Alternator Denso or OEM Volkswagen

I recently replaced the alternator on my 99 1MZ Solara (really just a 2 door "sporty" Camry), I went to an alternator/starter rebuild shop and swapped my 24-year old alternator for one they had in stock they'd rebuilt with a Denso core.

Beware of cheap aftermarket junk. I would only get an OEM or denso alternator.

Or since Denso is the OEM, you could get a remanufactured one at [NAPA](https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/DEN2105000) or [RockAuto](https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/denso,2105000,alternator+/+generator,2412), but it looks like they're out of stock. I would not trust the cheaper remanufactured ones that are made by the other brands. Denso is reliable, and I'd trust their reman parts, if you decide to go the reman route.

But try to get denso one or oem. Aftermarket ones tend to not last a long time.

The alternator was dead (as expected), and was replaced with a used one that I sourced locally from junkyard.

I ordered a new denso online then had a mobile mechanic come install it for me in my garage.

Buy a Denso or OEM Honda alternator if you want to do the job once. The cheap Chinese-made brands and auto-parts store brands will die within a year or two. Ask me how I know!

I went through 3 OEM Denso's before going with an OE (Land Rover stamped) Denso. Presto! No more charging light.

I just got a Denso remanufactured alternator from RockAuto for a 2009 Camry. Straight out of the box, the pulley was extremely hard to spin. It seems to get very stiff in one spot, get past that spot and spin fairly easily, then after I assume a full revolution it gets extremely stiff again. It also seems a bit loud/odd to me

What bugs me now is that it seems the alt doesn't quite put out. Dash light (at least the one I put under the dash since the one in-dash quit working) won't go out. Goes from bright to dim when the alt should excite.