Warning light came on yesterday for battery fortunately short distance from home. Stopped and checked under bonnet and there was no belt anymore! It was changed 6k miles and just over a year ago so presumed that hadn't failed. Turned out the alternator has seized and this has also caused air con pump to be sheared off from bracket engine mount which was lying on the undertray along with the belt. So new alternator, bracket and belt needed as minimum. There were no warning signs or strange noises or anything obvious just the warning light! This car has had loads of proactive maintenance in last few years but not the alternator. To save a hefty bill its probably worth checking from time to time that its running ok even if no warning lights or obvious noise. At least it didnt cause any internal damage fingers crossed. Its a 2001 1.4 petrol.
Alternator Belt/Serpentine failure and reasons why
- Thread starter gcrhill
- Start date
I had my original alternator fully reconditioned and a new oem free-wheel pulley fitted when the original sheared off.
It came back not only working perfectly but looking brand new too having been repainted as part of the service and to me it was nice to know it was original to the car.
Cost from memory was £50-£70.
I used a company called Rotating Electrics in Birmingham but I'm sure there are plenty nearer you that recondition starter motors and alternators but be sure to ask for an original quality pulley (made by INA / Schaeffler Group from memory)
