'96 9000CS Voltage Regulator or Alternator?

[movermover]

The guys at O'Reilly's say my alternator's going... and given the choice (and since I don't hear any bearing noise) I just ordered a new voltage regulator.

I'm scouring the net and have found a few forum postings that say you can replace the VR without pulling out the alternator, and that it's a 20 minute job.

I'm wondering if these postings are all for older 9000s - mine's a 96 (just bought it two days ago) and I'm starting to see all kinds of differences between the <1995 and >=1995 versions of these cars.

So can anyone who has solved alternator problems on a 9000 newer than '95 tell me how easy it is to replace the VR? Do I need to pull the whole alternator? Thanks!

[oliversexpedition]

My recommendation is at least unbolt it and spin it so that you have clear access to the VR. You have to get the right angle on the VR to get the brushes in place, which makes it hard without unbolting the alternator.

Suspect that the articles are for the older C9000. like a C900 you could replace it in place, but its just as easy to pull it in a C900 once you learn how.

[nagaronlinepowers]

The voltage regulator in most newer GM cars is in the alternator. The simplest way to replace the voltage regulator is to install a rebuilt alternator, it is also the most expensive.

[mr_saab79]

What exactly is the car doing? We had an issue with our 94' 9k where the voltage would read around 11-12 and the car would shut off without notice. Long story short it ended up being the main battery cable, the insulation was cracking and somehow was causing the problem. Installed another cable and the car hasn't has a problem since!

[Aerohead]

second that, I'd inspect the starter cable real closely.

You can replace the VR on the car on 2.3 Aeros, but not easy, need small surgeon hands. Good thing to check is the VR whenever the head is off or things are all abart, replace if > half worn out.