Alternator belt ... when to renew?

John H

John H

Member
Question ... is there a recommended mileage or age at which the alternator belt should be replaced? My car (TDi 75) has done 86k miles and recently had the cam belt done, but is probably on the original alternator belt. It very occasionally gives a slight dip on headlights and a minor noise for a second or two, which suggests it may be slipping a little, although it runs at normal speed with no issues.

Should I have the alternator belt replaced? Is it a major task?

Thanks :)

(PS ... did do a seach but could not find the answer to this)
 
Hi, its a very easy job, probably should have changed mine when i did my cambelt a couple of weeks back. The most time consuming part is taking the undertray off! Apart from that becareful when locking the tensioner out as my ring spanner was close to slipping off the nut due to tight clearances.
 
No need to remove the undertray - all the work can be done from above, although it is easier if you remove the large diameter air intake pipe first.

Ring spanner or socket, it's up to you, but be careful that you have one with a good snug fit, as if it slips, you will lose knuckle skin!

Cheers,

Mike
 
Thank you for the replies, although I would probably let the garage do it.

Is there a recommened life span for this belt?
 
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