Alternator Clutch

[seanw]

Visited mechanic with a different problem on weekend and he pointed out that alternator clutch needs to be replaced. He said that better to get it done now before the whole alternator goes.

He asked me to switch on engine and lock steering in one direction. There was a vibration and it was on this basis he said that alternator clutch needs to be done. I've found him totally reliable so far but I found this a bit strange. I'm fairly clueless when it comes to stuff like this so would appreciate the sage opinion of you experts...

 

[Vlad]

I would say he is totally spot on....exactly the same symptoms show up on VAG products and we are always having to replace alternator clutches on VW Touran's, Sharan's etc. The clutch comes as a seperate item and can be purchased from the likes of Euro Car Parts for @ £15. Needs a special tool to replace it.

If the clutch seizes it can completely knacker the alternator....have had this happen on a Touran and it ended up costing £600 to fix.

 

[kenny1000]

I had to do this job. Bought the pulley on ebay and the tool on Amazon for £15. Its an easy enought job

 

[renault12ts]

Mine needed doing...I left it 3 days...needed a new alternator. Get it done.

 

[seanw]

Thanks for the feedback.

Car is booked in for weekend for another job and I just wanted to figure out if I wanted/needed to get this done too.

 

[seanw]

Got the job done a couple of weeks ago. There was a pulley about to go and then the belt tensioner kit. Along with the new alternator clutch and labour came to 600 euro.

Apparently it was better to get the lot done together as same parts needed to be removed for access.

 

[Vlad]

Woah....that seems expensive!!!!!!