alternator

[stevie-g-2.6]

my alternator decided to give up the other day...i saw the scary price of a new one, so i got a 2nd hand one off fleabay...fitted it in half hr which suprised me.
anyway, my question is.. how easy is it to replace the brush's etc..just thought it would be an idea to have a back up just incase the one i got gives up at some point.

[vwcabriolet1971]

The brushes are part of the voltage regulator. Simple to remove and replace. VAG usually do exchange regulators for about £30 but you can get for a bit less at GSF etc. You will need to the alternator P/No. which is normally on the voltage regulator.