HippieHolmes
New member
Hey there everyone,
I'm writing about my beloved MK3 Jetta TDI and the troubles I've had keeping good alternators. Shortly after buying the car a year ago, I started hearing some grinding noises. It was the front alternator bearing. As it was recently replaced by the previous owner, the warranty was transferable. The new one went in fine and all seemed well for a while. Then it happened again. Rinse and repeat to alternator #3.
After going through 3 alternators (front-most bearing), I started thinking something must be causing this issue and it can't be just bad luck with alternators. After more investigation, it turns out the bearing on the AC compressor is toast as well. Perhaps it was causing the alternator bearing to have such a short life?
It was about time for a timing belt, so my buddy SootHappens and I decided to change the whole lot. Timing belt, Idler, Tensioner, Water pump, AC compressor, Serpentine pulley, and yet another Alternator.
All was well, it ran great! Until 4k more miles, when, you guessed it, the alternator bearing is toast again. What is going on? I'm looking for ideas, and thanks for listening to my story.
-Blake
I'm writing about my beloved MK3 Jetta TDI and the troubles I've had keeping good alternators. Shortly after buying the car a year ago, I started hearing some grinding noises. It was the front alternator bearing. As it was recently replaced by the previous owner, the warranty was transferable. The new one went in fine and all seemed well for a while. Then it happened again. Rinse and repeat to alternator #3.
After going through 3 alternators (front-most bearing), I started thinking something must be causing this issue and it can't be just bad luck with alternators. After more investigation, it turns out the bearing on the AC compressor is toast as well. Perhaps it was causing the alternator bearing to have such a short life?
It was about time for a timing belt, so my buddy SootHappens and I decided to change the whole lot. Timing belt, Idler, Tensioner, Water pump, AC compressor, Serpentine pulley, and yet another Alternator.
All was well, it ran great! Until 4k more miles, when, you guessed it, the alternator bearing is toast again. What is going on? I'm looking for ideas, and thanks for listening to my story.
-Blake