New battery needed for new alt?

[MaverickDaKid]

A guy at a garage told me today that when instaling a new alternator you need a new battery to go along with it or it won't work correctly. Is there truth to this or is he just trying to get me to buy another battery?

He also said it would be wise to change the belt along with it.

 

[Howard]

There is some truth about what he says. A faulty alternator can damage the battery either by over voltage or simply running it dead flat and buckling the plates inside. But batteries can be tested with a drop test and you aren't going to damage the alternator if the battery won't hold the charge anymore. Changing the belt is a good idea if the old one has been there for some time as you've got to take it off anyway to fit the alternator. There is also some salesmanship coming through. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[MaverickDaKid]

Thanks alot for the info man appreciate it

 

[aldive]

If the battery is in good conditionm there is NO need to replace it. Same with the belt.