Problem with alternator and battery

I have a 2007 Passat. The battery was original so I changed it but it would not stay charged. I just installed a new alternator and the battery will still not charge. Also the power steering light has come on and as the power steering does not work, and the battery light is also on.

Did you buy a garbage O'Reilly's/AutoBone alternator? It might explain your current no charge condition.

You should have kept your factory alternator. The most likely reason for not charging is a slipping clutched pulley or the brush/regulator assembly needing replaced, both of which can be replaced without removing the alternator for under $200.

I'm assuming you have a TDI.

Either a 2.0 turbo or 3.6 v6.

I had a similar problem with my 04 Jetta. It ended up being the fuseable link for the alternator. It looked fine when you looked at it. Under the nuts that secure it, the aluminum link was all cracked & brittle from galvanic corrosion (it is the joint for the copper lead, steel nut & aluminum link). You need to remove the securing nuts to inspect.