Alternator Brush Replacement

[Bob_Fla]

Can someone please explain how to remove and install new brushes for an 850.
Or direct me to an archive.
Thanks

[Kiwi_Roy]

Sorry, an 850 what, do you mean an old Eldorado with a generator between the jugs?

Or one from the 80s with a Bosch alternator mounted on front of the engine?
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_161&products_id=598

[Bob_Fla]

Sorry, Guess I expected you to read my mind.
I'm trying to replace Brushes for the Alternator on a 1984 850 T5.
I can see the brushes right in the front, under the plastic cover, but don't know how to replace them.
Thanks for your help.
Bob_Fla
Bob

[Stevex]

I did this a long time ago on a LM2 with a Bosch alternator.
Take a picture of your alternator, it comes in useful when refitting and reconnecting the wiring.
Disconnect the wires and remove the alternator. Pull the brushes out of their ceramic holders being careful not to let the springs that hold them in, unravel.
Then de solder the old ones and re solder the new ones in their place. New brushes come with their own short wires pre attached, detach / reattach at the other end of this wire, not it's joint at the brush.
You may need to re use the wire conduit from your old brushes; it should be soft and flexible.
Clean up the rotor with fine glass paper and de grease it.
Reinsert the brushes in their ceramic housing with the springs.
When refitting the alternator, be careful that the brushes don't catch on the rotor as they are quite brittle.

[LaMojo]

Disconnect the battery first.

[Kiwi_Roy]

You don't have to remove the alternator, you can do it in situ
As LaMojo says take the negative lead off the battery for safety, you can leave the positive on.
If you don't have a soldering iron you can crimp the new brush leads to the old ones.
lift the brush spring with a hook made from wire or something similar, its easy once you try.
The springs just put a light pressure on each brush.

[Bob_Fla]

OK, Ill give it a try with your posted info. Thanks and I'll post my success or more questions.

[Stevex]

For the sake of a few wires and 3 socket head bolts, I'd remove the alternator every time.
That way you can work it on the bench instead of trying to work between the engine and the front wheel.
Your choice...

[Bob_Fla]

Yes it would have been easier not working between the front wheel but it went very smoothly.
Once I got a good look with a flash light it made perfect sense.
Surprising part is how well the soldering went. Even got the wires with re-used conduit to slip up into the old solder hole from the back were they were to begin with. Thanks for all your help. Especially the reminder to disconnect the battery !
Success !!!!!!!