Next up the alternator.

Because of the age and mileage (23 years old and 140K) spinning the rotor by hand reveals the bearings need fresh grease. Plus it's a good idea to see how much brush life is left.

The brushes and regulator are kept in one convenient package by the 4 Torx screws on the back.

The slip rings are pretty worn, but there is still life left. The plan is when the car reaches 200K to just replace the alternator. But in the meantime service this one.

Still life left in the brushes too.

After spinning the bearings, the grease is dried up.

After removing the seals carefully it's just chucks of old lube.

Carb spray and shop air cleans the bearings.

I use bearing grease with a couple drops of lube oil to repack the bearings.

Repacked bearings and cleaned slip rings

Reload the brush pack, can use a paper clip too.

Done and back together, the rotor is sooo much smoother. I've had to do this to my old '93 Grand Marquis and to our 2004 Grand Marquis because they either start making noise or you can feel vibration from them.

Installed on the car.

New idler pulley as the old one has a completely knackered bearing.

Installed