New Alternator

[sbchilton]

I was driving home yesterday when I noticed my battery light start to flicker. 30 miles later whilst in a queue of traffic I heard a loud clunking noise from the engine bay (kind of like a helicopter). I turned off the engine and noticed the alternator has chewed itself up (tiny metal shards around the vents) it has now ceased.

I will be replacing it this week but wondered if anyone can recommend if should replace the tensioner too, also can anyone recommend an alternative to the main dealers £260-70 with exchange?

Cheers

 

[spike]

Hi
Double check the debris came from the alternator and not the pulley as the pulley failures are quite common - more info here - http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10015&highlight=alternator+pulley
If it is the alternator, any auto electrician with a Bosch agency should be able to either check and repair your original alternator or offer a better exchange deal.

Cheers Spike

 

[the grim reeper]

As Spike has posted check that it is the pulley, you can also check my thread i posted last year on my pulley failing the link is on the thread that spike has given you the link for

Cheers Phil

 

[sbchilton]

I took both off last night and the alternator has ceased. The pully still looks in good condition and spins freely so i'm inclined to put that back on. I will be replacing the belt as that looks a bit threadbare.

I managed to find a local garage that reconditions alternators, so i'll be taking that in today to see what they can do, he advised me that worse case would be £175 which is far cheaper than the dealers heafty price tag.

Thanks guys