Carquest Premium Alternator: Remanufactured, 130 Amps, Limited Lifetime Warranty

I installed this alternator in my 2008 Honda Pilot VP. I read some reviews that stated that some grinding was necessary to get it to fit. Grinding was unnecessary in my case. For this to fit in my pilot, I removed the coolant and power steering reservoirs and the power steering reservoir bracket. I also removed the bolt that holds the AC coolant line and unclipped the wires that feed the AC fan that sits behind the radiator (this AC fan wire sits next to the AC coolant line). Getting the alternator in place required some finesse, but I got it in place. To get it into the bracket where the bottom bolt hods that alternator in place, required a bit of muscle, but it fit without any grinding. Before installing, I recommend finding a You Tube video that explains this procedure. So far this alternator is working fine with no issues, however, should this change, I'll update this review or write a new one.

I picked Advance Auto for my Carquest Alternator replacement. It was an online order and it was available at my local store. I placed the order the night before and was able to pickup the very next morning at 8 AM. My plan was to change out the alternator in the AM and return the core later that day. Removal was straight forward but when I went to install the Carquest Alternator, I noted that it did not turn freely. Something inside was hitting. This is where the story gets bad. I called the local store where I picked up the alternator, but they could not exchange it since they only had 1 in stock. I was redirected to another store which did have one in stock I went to the store in a different vehicle because the alternator was already out and asked for an exchange with my receipt. This is where the 2nd problem was. They could not do a straight exchange. I could return the defective one for a full refund but would then have to purchase the replacement at the store. They would not honor the 20% discount online. I would have to reorder using my smart phone. the store declined to let me use their phone or computer, nor did they offer tomake the call themselves. Needless to say, the online transaction ran into difficulties and after 4 attempts, I called the Help number. I was quickly assisted with a coupon code that could be used at the store. The store manager was then gracious enough to speak directly with the agent on the line and completed my transaction. I now had my new replacement alternator with a "store" receipt which would let me exchange at any store. Total time for the defective product and replacement was 3 hours. Naturally my short morning job went into the PM and I had to reschedule other events for the day. Hopefully this top of the line replacement will last the life of my 2007 Honda. I would definitely check future components purchased from Advance prior to leaving the store.