Change alternator and belt ?

[crankedup]

We suspect the alternator on our Daughters VW Polo 1.4tdi is on its last legs. It seems to be making a metallic highish pitched constant metal to metal noise. We think its a bearing giving up. As an avarage D.I.Y. bloke I reckon I can install a new alternator for her, but before I rush in to help are there any difficulties that I may discover in the fitting process. Thanks

[Tony427]

Before you buy the alternator try taking the accessory belt off and checking that the noise isn't coming from the idler pulley or the powersteering pulley by spining them by hand.

Its easy enough to change the alternator but make sure you isolate the battery or sparks could fly if the detached connector leads touch metal and thats never a good thing.

Cheers,

Tony

[adyady1066]

Tony427 said:

Before you buy the alternator try taking the accessory belt off and checking that the noise isn't coming from the idler pulley or the powersteering pulley by spining them by hand.

Its easy enough to change the alternator but make sure you isolate the battery or sparks could fly if the detached connector leads touch metal and thats never a good thing.

Cheers,

Tony

Good advice Tony! Those idlers always make a racket but an easy way for this guy is to spray WD40 on the idler while the car is running and see if it goes quiet to start. Easier than trying to take things apart unless you know what you're doing. Good shout though.