So, is my alternator knackered?

[AlpineWhite]

Hi all,

Looking for a second opinion on my self diagnosis!

My Skoda Fabia vRS (1.9 TDI) has developed the following symptoms:
1) Sqealing / squeaking at low revs. It doesn't change pitch at higher revs, just comes and goes
2) Battery light flickers at low revs or above, say, 50% throttle

So I bought a new drive belt, on the assumption that at 130,000 miles and 6 years old, it was time for a new one anyway. Well, putting that on didn't make any difference (easy to fit - automatic tensioner). So I removed it (no belt at all now) and turned the engine on. No squeaking, it sounded fine, for a diesel. So it must be something connected to the drive belt, right? Had a feel of the various pulleys. Crank pulley was solid, tensioner and air con were both smooth.

The alternator pulley had some play back and forth along its axis, but also a little play radially. It also didn't feel smooth as I rotated it - but then I don't know what it should feel like!

Any ideas? Anything I've missed?

[stevieturbo]

well, if it sounds fked, and feels fked....it likely is.

[maniac0796]

If you spin it does it sound rough?

It's sometimes wise to change the tensioners on these engines as they create a lot of odd symptoms.