This is an '81 DL Wagon with 284K. At 262K, I have records where the previous owner had new bushings installed in the alternator. The parts listing on that work order did not list new brushes. I can't believe someone would go to the trouble of replacing bushings without also replacing a $3 set of brushes, but go figure.

Symptoms started this morning. My alternator light barely came on, and the volt meter dropped to the range it has with the key-on engine-off, and it was missing a little. When I rev the engine, it starts charging again. If it quits charging at low engine speeds, it will not resume charging until I rev it up. Also, driving it home after dark, not only the alternator light is coming on, but all the lights that normally come on with the key before starting just barely glow. (Except the oil pressure light, which stays off.)

My guess is brushes. The alternator has a black rectangular box on the back of it. Does that mean it's a built-in regulator? There is a metal Bosch box on the right fender well behind the water reservoir that looks like a voltage regulator.

Can I replace the brushes without removing the alternator? All help appreciated!