Possible alternator woes?

[magicoi]

04 plate Cupra TDI

for the last 2-3 months my ar has got a little noisy lets say. With no revs turning the steering wheel i get a horendouswretching noise from the engine. With revs no sound at all. It also happens on full lock, low revs, like when parking her.

Im told that the alternator has a clutch system on it which could be almost at its end. I have been quoted £300 to supply and fit a new alternator to 'see if that sorts it'. However im also told that it could be the air con system instead but no way to find out for sure without changing parts. BTW makes the noise if A/C is on or off.

No problems whilst driving and the power / delivery syestems are all a-ok.

Anyone had alternator problems? Or changed one? - How much did it cost you.

Thanks

 

[sockpuppet]

I had my altenator clutch pulley done a couple of weeks ago, the part was £30 and its quite a common fault. I had the tensioner and belt done at the same time as they had done nearly 90000.

 

[Muttley]

magicoi wrote

04 plate Cupra TDI

for the last 2-3 months my ar has got a little noisy lets say. With no revs

I'm guessing you mean engine idling, not engine off ???

turning the steering wheel i get a horendouswretching noise from the engine. With revs no sound at all. It also happens on full lock, low revs, like when parking her.

That sounds more like the power steering pump. It always complains at full lock, and you are told in the users manual not to hold it on full lock for more than 30 seconds (I think).

Im told that the alternator has a clutch system on it which could be almost at its end. I have been quoted £300 to supply and fit a new alternator to 'see if that sorts it'. However im also told that it could be the air con system instead but no way to find out for sure without changing parts. BTW makes the noise if A/C is on or off.

If I were you I'd get a second opinion, from an independent VAG specialist if you can find one close to you. £300 for a part swap "just to see if it works" is outrageous - they're asking you to fund their learning curve. Only agree if they will change the alternator back and refund your money if it doesn't make any difference.

Since the noise is associated with turning the steering wheel, I'd look at the power steering pump first. It's driven by the same belt as the alternator and a/c compressor.

 

[magicoi]

Sound advice Mutley, thanks.

I did mean when idling as opposed to the engine being off yes!

I wasnt referring to the noise full lock gives you, it happens when i turn the whhel from the off. Think i could have worded my OP a little better!

Sockpuppet - Thanks for the advice also, i will look into this. Id be chuffed to bits if thats whats gone as its a cheap fix!

Cheers

 

[-LeonFR-]

Hello there,

I've got a similar problem as of yesterday, but I've recently had the cambelt/waterpump/alternator belt changed and I'm pretty sure it's the alternator belt slipping. I'm taking it back to the garage on Monday for a tighten. Yours could be just the belt too - when idling if I turn the wheel it makes a horrible flapping noise

 

[magicoi]

I did ask a VAG specialist, dont want to name names unnecessarily so i wont but they are based near Peterborough!

They suggested the alternator , air con pump etc.

Where is the alternator clutch pulley and how would i know if thats whats causing the problem? Pics would help if anyone can take a snap!

Thanks, its really starting to bug me and its an embarrasment in car parks!!

 

[hughes86]

i had this problem with mine, it is the automatic clutch on the alternator pully, on the pully there is a black cap flick this off and the inside of it will be brown and smell of something burning. fitted the new pully now the problem is sorted. hope this helps, as said before it is a common fault

 

[magicoi]

Now that is a fantastic reply, thanks very much

I will have a look tomorrow and report back!

 

[LEE69]

i had this problem with mine, it is the automatic clutch on the alternator pully, on the pully there is a black cap flick this off and the inside of it will be brown and smell of something burning. fitted the new pully now the problem is sorted. hope this helps, as said before it is a common fault

I guess the answer is yes, but would the clutch failing disengage and stop the alternator from charging?

 

[magicoi]

Well, i pulled off the plastic cap from the alternator belt pully and everything was nice and clean inside So thats good,

Problem is stilll there though unfortunately. i dont really want to have to get SEAT to look at it but as a VAG secialist who is well known on here cant diagnose it i may not have a choice

 

[LEE69]

Mine alternator gave up the ghost on Thursday.

When the engine is running hold a screwdriver and put the end on to the casing, that will tell you if the bearings are shot or not, mine were

Obviously be careful

 

[ltwilson]

Having same problem. Ordered a new pulley for £49. Anyone swapped one?

 

[hughes86]

not fitted one myself as i know someone at seat so they put the pully on for me as i got the alternator off. took them about 2mins by the time i had payed for it i had the alternator back in my hands. would be cost affective if you can get the alternator off yourself

 

[ltwilson]

Had it sorted today. Took the guy 2 mins and only 10 mins to take off and put back on myself. Problem solved.

 

[Degsy]

sorry to open this up again, I have I think a similar issue noise wise, been advised could be pre tensioner or alternator clutch pully.. itwilson if you are still around what did you have done the pully.

thanks
D.

 

[ltwilson]

It was the alternator clutch. Cost me 50 for part and paid a garage 5 to fit as he had the tool required

 

[Degsy]

cheers
D