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General Information => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: london96td on March 13, 2012, 04:21:40 pm

Title: how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find.
Post by: london96td on March 13, 2012, 04:21:40 pm

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.
'

Title: Re: how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find.
Post by: 8v-of-fury on March 13, 2012, 07:28:33 pm

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.

Title: Re: how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find.
Post by: CRSMP5 on March 13, 2012, 08:19:08 pm

what car, engine, ac or not helps...

Title: Re: how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find.
Post by: london96td on March 13, 2012, 08:51:56 pm

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.

Title: Re: Re: how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find.
Post by: shwak23 on March 16, 2012, 08:34:51 am

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

Title: Re: how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find.
Post by: dieselweasel on March 16, 2012, 01:51:17 pm

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.  

Title: Re: how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find.
Post by: R.O.R-2.0 on March 17, 2012, 04:39:41 am

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..

Title: Re: how do you remove alternator? I've searched but can't find.
Post by: dieselweasel on March 18, 2012, 04:37:10 am

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.