Alternator repair or replace?

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Spoilt01
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Alternator repair or replace?

Post by Spoilt01 »

Hi,

I want to ask advise on the mentioned. Its for a Citirox 2008 1.4i, the alternator has over time started developing a bearing noise (like a dry metal sound) which isn't on its worst yet but I suspect it will start getting much worst as now its a rattle sound on start up. It is a 65A and the original that came with the car.

My Q is, would it be worth while to repair and where (I am based in CT) or replace and purchase the 90A (which is currently insanely expensive new!?
I believe a 90A would be a good replacement especially for a car running sound (which I am, amp and sub). I also have aircon installed but the pump is gone which I will replace or repair as well in future. Any advise would be highly appreciated.

Many thanks!
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panic-mechanic
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by panic-mechanic »

Is this piece of string long enough for me kind of question.
Get quotes on a repair probably won't be much over R1000 if that much.
Decide for yourself if that suits your budget or does buying the very expensive one suit you.
Stephan van Tonder - Jhb - Putfontein Benoni
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mellos
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by mellos »

Hi
Take the old alternator in to an Auto Electrical shop and they will strip
it and tell you whether it can be repaired or if it is too far gone to be repaired,
if that is the case they normally have reconditioned ones that are as good as new but as panic
says it depends on your budget.Good luck.
MrMazda
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by MrMazda »

I had alternators repaired by reputable auto electricians before with great results.
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grego
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by grego »

Try Evo... 082 662 4604.
He works from home in Claremont. Reasonably priced.
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NHB_R
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by NHB_R »

Whats the price difference between having it repaired and getting a new one?
Thats where i would start
Spoilt01
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by Spoilt01 »

Many thanks for the replies all, just one last Q Bosch sells a 90A unit that is exactly the same in dimensions and fit as the original 65A that
the car came with (belt size included). If i decide on a 90A unit would it be a simple re-fit and replace or would anything else be replaced because of the higher 90A?
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panic-mechanic
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by panic-mechanic »

Simple replace.
Stephan van Tonder - Jhb - Putfontein Benoni
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Spoilt01
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by Spoilt01 »

Regarding the 90A alternator for a Mk1, I noticed the one I received (new bosch) has the fins on the outside of the casing and was told by a friend that is the older style alternators which are also noisier? The newer has the cooling fins inside the casing like my original 65A that came with the car. Can you let me know if this indeed is the case and the the pro/con differences in them and which is the preferred?
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panic-mechanic
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by panic-mechanic »

Honestly - in a city golf you are going to notice the noise an alternator fan makes? Ugh. Do a bit of a reality check.
Stephan van Tonder - Jhb - Putfontein Benoni
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Spoilt01
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by Spoilt01 »

panic-mechanic wrote:Honestly - in a city golf you are going to notice the noise an alternator fan makes? Ugh. Do a bit of a reality check.
FFS :bang: if it bothers you that much to answer then don't. I ask so I can understand not all of us work on cars daily. The reason people join forums is to get understanding from those that know better. It's tiring to be ridiculed each time you ask a question that does not meet certain peoples taste.
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panic-mechanic
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by panic-mechanic »

If it physically fits you will not hear the fan. There. Happy?
I will make a note not to reply in future lest I offend your sensitive side.
Stephan van Tonder - Jhb - Putfontein Benoni
'05 Audi A6 3.0L TDI Avant
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'05 Touareg v10

Perfect Power dealer. I do dyno tuning.
Spoilt01
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by Spoilt01 »

panic-mechanic wrote:If it physically fits you will not hear the fan. There. Happy?
I will make a note not to reply in future lest I offend your sensitive side.
Thank you, please don't not reply just try to leave out the sarcasm not everyone asks for the fun or it or to be annoying.
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by Wolf Mk2 16V »

2015 VW Golf Gti
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2015 VW Move Up!
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panic-mechanic
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by panic-mechanic »

No worries oh spoilt 1. Besides the fact that I often offend people I am also a man of my word. I will not ever reply to any of your questions again.
Have a lovely weekend.
Stephan van Tonder - Jhb - Putfontein Benoni
'05 Audi A6 3.0L TDI Avant
'09 Touareg 3l TDI
'13 VW CC 2l tdi (repair project)
'05 Touareg v10

Perfect Power dealer. I do dyno tuning.
Spoilt01
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by Spoilt01 »

panic-mechanic wrote:No worries oh spoilt 1. Besides the fact that I often offend people I am also a man of my word. I will not ever reply to any of your questions again.
Have a lovely weekend.

Have a lovely weekend yourself, there really is no need to blow this out of proportion now panic. We all know you have a wealth of knowledge and many followers no need to loose your **** over a simple post you had no reservation in answering in any case.

But if that's what will work best for you then so be it, many thanks for the posts you have answered me on in the past in either case.
VAG Fan
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by VAG Fan »

I once fitted the cam-belt cover very close to the alternator fan in my old Mk1, to give the V-belt some more space to run. In the process, the cam-belt cover ended up all but touching the alternator's fins. There was a slight whine that I'd never heard before. (And many people would probably not hear it anyway.) It took me a while to figure out where it came from. But after I gave the fins 1 or 2 mm of breathing space, they were totally inaudible.

Would every DIY mechanic know to leave 1 or 2 mm of space? I can't say. Chalk it up to experience.
Mark R.
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2004 VW Golf TDI, type 1J, AHF, 317k (2016-current) --- daily
1990 VW Fox, type 16, HM, 304k (2005-current) --- spare runaround
Previous:
1992 Audi 500 SE, type C4, AAR (2001-2020) --- nice while it lasted
1983 VW Golf GTS, type 17, FR (1992-2005) --- most fun car I've ever had
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Spoilt01
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Re: Alternator repair or replace?

Post by Spoilt01 »

VAG Fan wrote:I once fitted the cam-belt cover very close to the alternator fan in my old Mk1, to give the V-belt some more space to run. In the process, the cam-belt cover ended up all but touching the alternator's fins. There was a slight whine that I'd never heard before. (And many people would probably not hear it anyway.) It took me a while to figure out where it came from. But after I gave the fins 1 or 2 mm of breathing space, they were totally inaudible.

Would every DIY mechanic know to leave 1 or 2 mm of space? I can't say. Chalk it up to experience.

I see, something to know thank you.
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