Alternator in my '95 Contour Duratec (at about 65K miles) is still original; never a problem.
Alternator in my '86 Mustang 5.0 (at 207K miles) is STILL ORIGINAL, never a problem.
Additional data point: No aftermarket audio or other extra electrical loads, which can have something to do with it.
Alternator in my 2000 Windstar 3.8 is fine (55K miles), even though it occasionally tows a trailer (extra lighting load).
Question: Someone mentioned replacing only the brushes in the alternator. I've done this on other vehicles, but haven't seen brushes sold by themselves in recent years. Where did you find alternator brushes for a Contour?
Update: I finally saw the reference; NAPA carries individual alternator brushes.
