how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find. - Troubleshooting - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find. by london96td on 13 Mar, 2012 16:21
• Hey everyone, I found out the other day that my car's alternator bearings are shot. The plan is to replace it with a used one I'm planning on purchasing. Now the question is how do I remove it? I've tried removing it and after taking off the belt I noticed there's a metal tubing sort of thing which goes right in front. Possibly from an A/C I'm assuming? It's almost right against the alternator and I'm afraid of moving it. How do you remove the actual alternator without damaging anythign else? I've read whateer I can get my hands on in regards to this and I  have  yet to find an answer.
  
  
  If anyone can shed some light on this it would be awesome as you could be saving me $200+ as I have to do this procedure from a parts car which is 2 hrs away.
  
  Thanks.
  '
• #1 by 8v-of-fury on 13 Mar, 2012 19:28
• A picture really is worth a thousand words.
  
  The alternator should only be held in by two bolts. Not the hardest thing to take off, but your description I cannot fathom lol.
• #2 by CRSMP5 on 13 Mar, 2012 20:19
• what car, engine, ac or not helps...
• #3 by london96td on 13 Mar, 2012 20:51
• The car is a 96 Golf TD with an AAZ Motor in it. Unfortunately I don't have a camera here to take a picture. It's basically a metalic tube which runs in front of the alternator, under the air filter holder to the back of the engine compartment on the passenger side. The car does have AC.
• #4 by shwak23 on 16 Mar, 2012 08:34
• Try undoing the two bolts holding the alternator on and then using your hand you'll want to just pull the alternator out........ Done.
  
  Sent from my DROID X2
• #5 by dieselweasel on 16 Mar, 2012 13:51
• Sounds like an a/c line going to the expansion valve.  Shouldn't have to disconnect it. Need to be gentle with a/c lines but they're not made of glass so you can bend them a bit.  Should be able to remove two bolts holding alternator on, then gently pry the alternator from its mounts.  I have a 94 Jetta that should have the same setup...I'll take a peek under the hood this weekend to see if there's anything else you need to be aware of.  
• #6 by R.O.R-2.0 on 17 Mar, 2012 04:39
• there are 2 bolts holding it on, its probably one of the more simple things to change, on the whole car..
  
  remove drive belt, pull those 2 bolts holding it on, and pull the wiring off the back, then remove the alternator from the engine.
  
  done deal.. its really THAT simple.
  
  the a/c line is flexible, and you can move it out of the way temporarily..
• #7 by dieselweasel on 18 Mar, 2012 04:37
• Yes it is simple.  I checked and there is a screw holding the rigid section of the a/c line to the body.  Remove that screw and the a/c line will flex out of the way.