Posted by Brian M on June 06, 01 at 07:07:54:
Have a '98 c1500 with nearly 50k miles. Last night the alternator went south. No warning, just gone. Thank goodness I had a new orbital battery from about 4 months ago that got me to the shop this morning.
This is the third GM product I have owned that has had this sort of problem right at 50k miles. My mechanic is also the AC/Delco parts distributor around here and tells me that is all that AC engineers the alt for. he said in a smaller vehicle with less equipment, it may last for up to 70k miles but it is RARE!
Ironically, two nights ago my wife and I were on the highway and I was commenting that in a nearly 4 year old car...the Sub is tight, rattle free and with no mechanical problems other than brakes at 29k miles. Guess that was the kiss of death.
My wife brought into the marriage a new Olds Achieva in '92 (car was junk from day one) and later we bought a '96 Lumina (good car....but same problem) and all had electrical failure of some kind before 50k miles. Now so does the burb. During the same period I have had Toyotas that have gone over 100k miles with all original parts (no new alternators, starters, switches etc...).
Just frustrates me......for the most part GM has built some fine vehicles in these Subs, but some of the components due to poor engineering (or planned life spans) ruin that reputation.
My $.02
Brian M