Hi everyone, I am about to remove the old Alternator and replace with a new one. My Polo has AC. I am wondering what you have to remove regarding the Belt Tensioning mechanism so that it doesn't all fly off etc - and then of course, how you get it back on again !! ??

There is a bracket held on by 3 bolts which seems to hide the main bolt which holds the Alternator on, but this is also the bracket for the Tensioner. If I undo these three bolts, what happens re that 'bloody great' spring coil ? At the centre of the Tensioner Spring coil holder is 1 bolt - what does that do please ??

It is ******* cold at the mo, but I am going to crack on in the morning, so any help would be VERY much appreciated. ( Unfortunately, the excellent item, with pics, does not cover anything like my arrangement )

Cheers folks, Richard

Welcome to the Forum, Richard,

You don't say what model you are running,but what you need is a longish spanner to put on that tensioner (can't remember the size, I am afraid), as you say, it IS a strong spring, that is the reason that you need a long spanner!

Once you have the spanner on, you can compress the spring and remove the belt. Re-fitting is just the reverse.

Regards.

Welcome to the Forum, Richard,

You don't say what model you are running,but what you need is a longish spanner to put on that tensioner (can't remember the size, I am afraid), as you say, it IS a strong spring, that is the reason that you need a long spanner!

Once you have the spanner on, you can compress the spring and remove the belt. Re-fitting is just the reverse.

Regards.

Many thanks for that info 'caretakerplus', will do !! My model is the Polo 1.4 Tdi 55 Kw, 3 Cylinder Diesel, with AC belt arrangement. Does that help or make any difference ??

Again, many thanks, Richard

16 mm open-end spanner to relieve tension.

Lock tensioning element using locking pin

Remove alternator securing bolts -arrows-.

Remove wire holder -arrow- from back of alternator.

Remove alternator.

Installing

Install in the reverse order of removal. When doing this, note the following:

Caution

When installing used poly V-belts observe the direction of rotation marked on removal!

Before installing poly V-belt, make sure all assemblies (alternator, air conditioner compressor) are firmly in position.

When fitting belt, ensure that poly V-belt seats correctly in pulleys!

Drive threaded sleeves -A- roughly 4 mm in direction of arrow out of alternator housing.

16 mm open-end spanner to relieve tension.

Lock tensioning element using locking pin

Remove alternator securing bolts -arrows-.

Remove wire holder -arrow- from back of alternator.

Remove alternator.

Installing

Install in the reverse order of removal. When doing this, note the following:

Caution

When installing used poly V-belts observe the direction of rotation marked on removal!

Before installing poly V-belt, make sure all assemblies (alternator, air conditioner compressor) are firmly in position.

When fitting belt, ensure that poly V-belt seats correctly in pulleys!

Drive threaded sleeves -A- roughly 4 mm in direction of arrow out of alternator housing.

Thanks Nige for your information. However, my set up is different from the one you show so I am off to the library to see if they have a Haynes ( don't like them, but sometimes useful!! ) with my set up in. Will let you know how I get / got on.

Cheers, Richard

Thats strange, as that is from the VW manual for your year/engine combo etc

Thats strange, as that is from the VW manual for your year/engine combo etc

Nige, you are right, I am wrong !! Mine is very similar but to slaken the belt I used the nut at the bottom. BUT, having put the new alternator on, the battery still does not charge. Battery starts the diesel engine fine, ( charged off mains overnight ) so unlikely to be an earthing problem. Don't know what else it can be !!?? BUT, dash light for Battery does not appear at all on display at 'switch on' so I wonder if that has anything to do with it. Anyway, I am going to do another Posting re 'What can stop an Alternator from charging?? '

Many thanks for your help guys.

Richard