Alternator Failure?

[4WheelDrifter]

A bit of a sad moment for me tonight. It's the first time my S2 has failed me.

I started the car and immediately noticed the battery wasn't charging. Nothing too unusual, until I blipped the throttle expecting to hear it whistle away as usual, but nothing, still no charge.
So I checked the belt was ok, wiring seems to be still intact, I even poked the alternator with a stick for good measure, but still nothing.
So I'm guessing my alternator is dead.

Just what I need for before the garage meet this weekend. I can't turn up in the A3 again.

Anyone got a spare alternator kicking about?

[Nuvo]

Check the condition of you voltage regulator brushes, on your alternator. I had this same problem recently. Chances are the brushes are worn, you can pick up a replacement aftermarket part from GSF for about a tenner. You should also change the slip rings as soon as you can too.

Nuvo.

[WabTheKing]

yeah but no matter how tempting dont buy cheap ones from europarts or gsf because they are cheap for a reason!!!!!

i speak from personal experiance!!!

[Nuvo]

@Wab Interesting. What happened exactly? I used one with any trouble until I got a genuine replacement. Are you sure you got the right one?

[WabTheKing]

well i fitted it bout 4months ago and its not regulating the voltage properly

also dosent seem to charge as high as oem, maybe i have the wrong one? used the same part number

[Jeffer]

Is there any info around how to service an anternator? I'd like to fix mine.

[Nuvo]

@Wab That's very odd, regulation voltage is should 14v for both aftermarket and OEM. Maybe a defective part or another underlying fault then?

@Jeffer yes there is, I'll post a link if I can find the page(s) I found.

[4WheelDrifter]

Well. I got the alternator off ok. 034 903 017 X is its name.
The only trouble is.... One of the M10 bolts (No.7 in the picture) snapped inside the bracket (034 903 143 J), and I can't seem to be able to get to the M10 bolt (No.6) that secures it at the top.
Great.

[Alistair C]

Well. I got the alternator off ok. 034 903 017 X is its name.

Getting a new alternator may be a bit premature....... Have you checked the voltage regulator (attached on th back with 2 screws?)

I've got a genuine VR for that exact alternator sitting with me here if you want to try it out first and assuming we can get it to you in time!

An exchange alternator for me (it wasn't just the VR!) cost me £97 +vat from camberly auto factors (quoting Bosch p/n 0120 469 822)

Can't help with the bracket though - sorry!

[Jamo]

GSF alternators are reconned and not brand new, cheaper and safer to get your own reconned.

[Jamo]

Well. I got the alternator off ok. 034 903 017 X is its name.
The only trouble is.... One of the M10 bolts (No.7 in the picture) snapped inside the bracket (034 903 143 J), and I can't seem to be able to get to the M10 bolt (No.6) that secures it at the top.
Great.

Hey Stu, snap on snapping bolts

[Mikes2]

I got mine overhauled by a Bosch agent when it failed. A new stator winding was required since it was overcharging. £64 all in.

[4WheelDrifter]

Cheers for the info guys.

I managed to get home from work today just before it got dark.
Things are so much easier in daylight. I managed to remove the old bracket easy, once I could see the 13mm bolt in the top.
I also found a spare bracket in the garage. It's amazing what crap I keep in there.
I may have a temporary solution for the alternator too, so I can get the old banger up to the garage meet and back. Then I can muck about with the old alternator later.

So for the moment I just need a replacement for that 17mm M10x48mm bolt that snapped. And my parts man is away this week. Which is a bit inconsiderate. So I may have to get someone to pop into the Stealer for me, to pick one up at full price. It's a good job it's just a bolt. (Famous last words. )

Here's the old bracket vs the spare one.

[volcano rs]

which ones the new one?

[4WheelDrifter]

Sorry. It's not polished enough for you.