Stealth TDI
Pre-Forum Veteran Member
Hi,
I've been getting some squeaking from the alternator area. I was afraid it was a bad bearing. The problem went away over the winter. Now that it's warm, the problem is back and even worse. Sounding more like a belt, I gave a look and found chunks missing out of the serpentine belt. So I figured that was the problem... a squeaky belt. I replaced the belt and the problem persists.
Upon inspection of the alternator pulley, I discovered the pulley is rotating along the shaft. I'm unsure if it can be tightened. After reading in here, it looks like it must be replaced. BTW, removing an alternator from an A3 TDI is an absolute PITA. I had to remove the right-hand headlight, uncouple an AC bracket, then lift the AC line up about 18" to clear a path for the alternator to come out from behind where the headlight used to be. :shock:
ANYWAY, my goal is to figure out how to tighten up this pulley or replace it. I'm certain there is nothing wrong with the alternator. I found a cover that I've removed. However, there are tools needed that I do not have. Check this out:
This photo is looking at the alternator from the pulley side. These splined fittings are inside the pulley area. Surely someone in here has replaced an alternator. Looking at NEW alternators, it appears they are not shipped with pulleys. So this pulley would have to come off whether I'm replacing the pulley or needing to transfer it to a new alternator. That also suggests the pulley can be replaced independently. Does anyone know what I need to do to replace this pulley?
With over 200,000-miles on the car, the alternator owes me nothing. Should I just replace it while it's out? My gut says NO. But it would suck to put it back in and have it fail in a few months. :lol:
I appreciate your advice...
Thanks!
Scott
I've been getting some squeaking from the alternator area. I was afraid it was a bad bearing. The problem went away over the winter. Now that it's warm, the problem is back and even worse. Sounding more like a belt, I gave a look and found chunks missing out of the serpentine belt. So I figured that was the problem... a squeaky belt. I replaced the belt and the problem persists.
Upon inspection of the alternator pulley, I discovered the pulley is rotating along the shaft. I'm unsure if it can be tightened. After reading in here, it looks like it must be replaced. BTW, removing an alternator from an A3 TDI is an absolute PITA. I had to remove the right-hand headlight, uncouple an AC bracket, then lift the AC line up about 18" to clear a path for the alternator to come out from behind where the headlight used to be. :shock:
ANYWAY, my goal is to figure out how to tighten up this pulley or replace it. I'm certain there is nothing wrong with the alternator. I found a cover that I've removed. However, there are tools needed that I do not have. Check this out:
This photo is looking at the alternator from the pulley side. These splined fittings are inside the pulley area. Surely someone in here has replaced an alternator. Looking at NEW alternators, it appears they are not shipped with pulleys. So this pulley would have to come off whether I'm replacing the pulley or needing to transfer it to a new alternator. That also suggests the pulley can be replaced independently. Does anyone know what I need to do to replace this pulley?
With over 200,000-miles on the car, the alternator owes me nothing. Should I just replace it while it's out? My gut says NO. But it would suck to put it back in and have it fail in a few months. :lol:
I appreciate your advice...
Thanks!
Scott