I HAD a 1997 Chevolet Astro van, my second astro, and the alternator went out at 37500 miles, which is 1500 miles out of warranty. I took it to a Chevolet dealer, Lawrance Chevolet Mechanicsburg, Pa. And was told that the replacement part would be in the $400 bracket.
I called Chevolet Goodwill, several times, explaining the problem and that an alternator should last for more than 37,500 miles. When Goodwill asked me what I through would be fair I said they provide the part and I pay labor, a common practice. They refused this and would not provide any assistance at all.
I had a local garage repair the alternator at a cost of $250 and this included the replacement of the belts. I have since traded this in for a 2000 safari van which had an alterator go out before 10000 miles. The person who rebuilt the 97 alternator said that these were junk and that the bearings were to short to properly disapate the heat generated.
I will never recommend Chevolet to any one and the jury is still out concerning the GMC van. Think the alternator is going again at 23000 miles.
I worked in a GM dealership, in the 60s', and we treated to customers better than this to the point that GM paid for the replacement of a cam shaft in a 1957 Olds when the vehicle was 7 years old. It's a shame when business say they want customer loyality and then treat their loyal customers like this.
Paul
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
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