Bad alternator?

[Z71Silverado]

Hey. I have a high output 250 amp alternator on my truck. It is about 4 years old. Earlier today I went to start my truck and the screen said battery not charging. So I went and took a hammer to the back of the alternator. It's now working again. Should I be buying a new alternator tomorrow?

[Carder09]

Yes or you can keep hammering it.

[ujtruck]

check Alt cables 1st, make sure they are tight, your alternator not really bad, however it has some internal or external loose connection

[Gurrzt]

Your "brushes", or whatever makes the connection to the revolving part of the alternator is worn out.

[Duelin]

Do you have any automotive electrical repair shops in your area? And do they rebuild alternators? If so take it to them and have them do a quick check. Could be a brush sticking or something else simple. I have a couple of shops in my area and have been doing business with them for years. When i have a problem with a alternator or starter I take it to them. No use rebuilding the whole alternator if nothing is wrong with 90% of it. Brushes gone replace them. Bearing gone replace it. etc. etc.