Q: How to replace alternator Brush for Chevrolet Astro?
A: The mentioned procedure is only applicable to the SI type Alternators while the CS types have riveted housings and are not disassembled. The first step is to take out the alternator from the vehicle. Thereafter, make scribe or paint marks on the front and rear end frame housings of the alternator to enable easy reassembly. Use a scribe or paint pen to mark the drive end frame and rectifier end frame assemblies before they are separated into two halves. Afterwards, remove four through bolts which hold front and rear end frames together, then separate drive end frame from rectifier end frame. Carefully separate the drive end frame from rectifier end frame assemblies. After that, remove nuts retaining stator leads to rectifier bridge and separate stator from end frame. Then, remove nuts that retain stator leads to rectifier bridge so as to remove stator. Following that, undo screw attaching diode trio on the end frame and remove trio. Remove screws attaching resistor (not used on all models), brush holder and voltage regulator on the end frame; then take off brush holder and voltage regulator. When removing brush holder, resistor (if equipped) and voltage regulator from the end frame you should also take away screws which attach them. After unscrewing the brush holder, resistor (if any) along with voltage regulator held by two other screws at one side of case will be removed- just do it this way for a majority of vehicles of this type. Next slip brush retainer off brush holder thereby removing brushes from it; then withdraw springs off brush holder also. Re-installation shall be opposite of what has been stated earlier in this section except: Place first brush closest to rearward most position within its respective slot in order to retain it; push metal clip through hole behind rotor shaft until it comes out opposite side where it prevents next brush coming out while both are held together by metal clip. However, this can only be released together with the front and rear end frames after they have been bolted back. Throughout installation, a paper clip similar to this one will be used to hold brushes in position through the hole on the end frame located around rotor shaft.