Alternator OEM Toyota or Bosch

Bosch has a support site that shows what alternators they recommend for your VIN number. AL20X (65A) and AL172X (65A) are the two Bosch shows. However most of us know the original was a 90A unit AL30X.

After getting mine rebuilt 3 times and still having the same problem, I ended up getting a Bosch factory rebuilt one. Cost-wise I don’t think it was significantly more than one rebuilt by a shonky auto electrician and in the long run would have been cheaper.

Mine was my alternator. Never had battery issues but once I replaced it with a new bosch all the electrical gremlins the car had went away.

My v6 03 avalon xls alternator replacement, parts and all was under $300

Alternator wise, I'd definitely spend the money and acquire a nice Bosch unit to replace yours if you were gonna swap it.

What brand alternator did you use? If not OE, Bosch, or Valeo, change it again.

I want to replace the alternator myself, but I can't find where to get OEM parts for a reasonable price. The dealership is charging $340 for the part and the best I can find is this [Bosch alternator](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C64QHE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=TXMF4LHVIWCE&coliid=IN63F3OG0M77W) on Amazon which they state is new, but it seems like all Bosch alternators are remanufactured. Why is it so damn complicated to find high-quality replacement alternators?!

B5/5.5 alternators come from two vendors, Bosch and Valeo. I've heard they're not interchangeable because of different pulleys.

So, OK, ended up getting a Bosch Reman from IMC, installed it to find out it was only producing 10Volts @ idle. Took it back out, and installed an Ultima which put out 14Volts @ idle.

We have been having a lot of trouble with Bosch reman alternators and starters in the last couple years. Pretty sad, used to be great stuff. Now all the boxes say made in china and everything is crap.