The bearings are still good so I just want to try changing the brushes first before I resign myself to a new alternator.

Know anyone who sells just the brushes? It's Bosch AL 77 X.

I think it's a 55 amp unit, but I'm not sure.

Thanks
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'86 745T, '72 144E, '70 145S, '68 122S Estate, '60 544

I get mine locally at a specialty shop that rebuilds alternators, generators, starters... Mostly they work on farm and heavy equipmnet type machinery... perhaps there is a similar shop in your area? If not, I'd think you should be able to order a set from your dealer or even local auto parts store.
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-Matt '70 145s, '65 1800s, '66 122s wagon, others inc. '53 XK120 FHC

I have a 55 amp Bosch on my 81.
Took it to a starter/alternator shop and they put them on and
put it on the scope to confirm function, all for $20.
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Stef -- 1981 wagon B21A SU M46 318000km chrome roofrack

I got brushes for my '91 at the Southern Auto Parts store down the street. They didn't cost much ($10-$12 as I recall) and took only a few minutes to install.

The hard part was getting the right ones. I took my old set in to the store make sure they were correct.