The OEM alternator was removed and tested at Advance Automotive because of measured voltage drops. The test did not find anything. We suspect that the rectifier diodes may be at end of life. Are any other components in the alternator, that should be evaluated? replaced?
Does it make sense to replace the rectifier diode subassembly at $22 or the entire alternator ($150)? An explanation of why is appreciated: thank you.
The elephant in the room is can your pocketbook afford to buy the diode pack, then discover you're going to need a new alternator after the fact? If you realize this up front and it doesn't matter, then getting the diode pack might be the better choice, especially if it works out. If it doesn't, you'd just be out the price of the pack and shipping, which seems like a good gamble considering.
Obvious to me, since you are asking the question, you don't mind having the time expense you'll incur for getting the parts and doing the job, so this seems to not be something to worry about.
