Alternator removal

[Pedrojrgand1988 0]

I own a 97 Volkswagen Jetta Vr6 GLX 2.8L and I am trying to replace it with a new one and was wondering if anyone has ever done by yourself and how did you do it or did you have so much trouble you just had a mechanic do it. Any advice would help

[ssaunders 199]

Hi, it can be a real pain to get the mounting bolts out which may need a mechanic. You should be able to loosen the engine mounts and jack the drivers side of the engine up to get access to it.

[VR6Pete 1,455]

Its a DIY job assuming you have some tools and a good trolley jack.

 

I did it on my Corrado in a few hours with the help of some mates, as mentioned, you will need to loosen front engine mount and jack up engine to be able to remove both alternator bolts. I found it much easier and quicker to simply remove the whole front end as is only 6 - 7 bolts and improved access considerably.

 

Before doing anything ... disconnect the batter

 

Step 1) remove aux belt pulley / pulley

Step 2) jack up engine as per above.

Step 3) give the alternator a whack or use a pry bar as will be a tight and wont want to come off easily - remember to disconnect wires remembering what goes where  

Step 4) remove pulley bolt with impact gun or if you can wrap the belt around the pulley on the alternator and remove bolt

Step 5) clean up surfaces where alternator will sit be situation as makes re-installing new item easier.

 

Then its a case of working backwards with the actions you have completed above, remembering to put a beer in the fridge before you begin  

[Timothy_Ellis 23]

what he said. Remove radiator support. It's right in your face, only takes ~5 mins, makes life so much easier.

[Timothy_Ellis 23]

Such is the case on 98% of things to do on a vr.