Help? A4 TDI 1.9 auto alternator 1995

[jameswkr]

Pls can you help. Rellies car diagnosed with duff alternator. Even with captive bolts pulled forwards toward the radiator/fan, the alternator will barely move. Cannot see how the belt is adjusted (totally unlike most other audi/vw which have the rachet bolt on slider) or how the alternator comes free; car @240K miles a potential write off with £200 plus quote to pull front of car off to fix. Bolts do not paass rad/rad fan. Even most of the S2 is more accessible than this! Any pointers welcome. Thanks, James.

[mcandmar]

If its the same as an A6 it will have a spring loaded idler on the drive belt. You can stick a spanner on to it and take the tension off the belt, then stick a pin into its housing to lock it in place. Alternator is on a solid mount, i.e. no adjustment.

[BRY]

They are a really tight fit into the pivot housing on the engine. With the bolt out and the belt off, I had to lever mine out.
Getting it back in is even more fun!

[jameswkr]

Thanks. So its correct that the rad and bumper have to come off to do the job ?