We checked it parked and we rev it up till 4000 with radio, headlights and fan at full blast, the voltage didn't move and stood still at 14.2 (and the battery light did not come on). And talking about another kind of floating brushes..., I live on the west coast and it's been pissing rain for 28 days here now, and I wonder if this could be related as I note this alternator is located down low... But maybe not either and could be signs of early failure like you say...?
