C. E. Niehoff & Co.

BRUSHLESS ALTERNATORS
Service Bulletin
Field Inspection

Issue Date: October 21, 1999

SB Number: SB0015A
Topic: Preventative Maintenance, bearings
Customer: Transit and Motor Coach applications, 600, 700 and 800 series alternators

Alternator rotor shaft bearings need periodic maintenance. Although the bearings are custom
packed with high grade grease, all grease has a shelf life and a maximum useable in-service life
since lubrication capability of any grease will degrade over time. The front and rear bearings, and
the protective spiral ring seals are the only wear parts in a C.E. Niehoff & Co. brushless alternator
that require periodic replacement

There are few signs that a bearing is reaching the end of its usable life, therefore preventive
maintenance by a time-in-use interval is the best way to determine when to replace bearings.

The following service intervals are recommendations only, since actual operating conditions may
vary greatly. Vehicle maintenance records must be maintained and consulted to provide alternator
bearing service interval data that is based on actual environmental conditions at time of use to
avoid unscheduled vehicle down time.

C.E. Niehoff & Co. brushless alternators used in transit and motor coach applications
operating on a 16-18 hour day, 6 days a week, should have bearings and spiral ring seals
replaced at 2½ year intervals.

For vehicles operating 20-22 hours a day, 7 days, the bearing and spiral ring seals replaced
at 2 year intervals.

Operating environments with prolonged high engine compartment temperatures also have an
effect on bearing life. Therefore, in those areas of the country having such climate conditions, a 2
year or even a 20 month bearing change interval may be the preferred choice.

To maintain the integrity and durability of the alternator we recommend all parts and service work
be provided by a C. E. Niehoff & Co. Factory Authorized Service Distributor. For the location in
your area, or for more information, please call our service department at:
800-NIEHOFF (800-643-4633) or 847-866-6030
Fax 847-492-1242
e-mail to: support@ceniehoff.com
Please file this CEN Service Bulletin with your CEN Literature.
Please forward a copy of this information to the appropriate people in your company.

C. E. Niehoff & Co. • 2021 Lee Street • Evanston, IL 60202 Tech Services Hotline 800-643-4633

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