"alternator Workshop" Error. Noisy At Idle?

[littledaz]

BTW, not that proof is needed, here are the required components.

[jackthehat.co.uk]

You really are a diamond geezer mate. :)

 

Thank you so much for all your help. I have this lot printed off and ready for use as soon as the car goes nuts again. I think I will be lucky if I get a couple more weeks out of it. Thanks again for all the time and trouble you have gone to. Have a virtual pint on me!

 

J

[Guest wolfie]

BTW, not that proof is needed, here are the required components.

 

tool looks like a bottom bracket tool! available at most good bike shops :)

 

http://www.danscomp.com/images/products/811336.gif

[jackthehat.co.uk]

 

tool looks like a bottom bracket tool! available at most good bike shops :)

 

 

 

 

Looks different to me. More splines on the proper tool. I may be wrong though. It would be nice if it was the same tool.

[littledaz]

Won't do the job I'm afraid. The splines on the proper tool are much finer and more closely spaced. My picture may be a little out of perspective.

[theinsider]

hi littledaz - i'm still pursuing my auto box problem. i'll keep the forum updated when i get somewhere.

 

I suspect I also have this alternator clutch problem - i get the rough feeling through steering, thats noticeable at lower revs. First thought it was a misfire but its stops over 2000rpm and the gal is smooth the rest of the time. The feeling is definitely through the steering wheel.

 

I note with interest your little test of the pulley. My alternator number is 021 903 026A. should this type freewheel in one direction only? I cant actually see any fan blades to try to turn? Its a V6 and there's not much room for a screwdriver either! (may be easier for me to try from underneath). All i seem to be able to see are the windings. How close is the fan to the pulley?

[littledaz]

My alternator number is 021 903 026A. should this type freewheel in one direction only?

 

With that part number, you should have a freewheeling pulley fitted. The fan is immediately behind the housing of the alternator, just before the windings.

 

 

I have only experienced this issue on PD engines, so not sure if it affects yours. The principles are the same though, so very possible

Edited February 3, 2007 by littledaz

[davethecabbie]

i'd like to thank littledaz for his spot on diagnosis.after changing this part and that part and being told by my local ford dealer "sorry sir we are clueless" the mysterious rumbling and belt slapping noise has been cured by fitting a new alternator pulley.thanks again.

[theinsider]

i'll second that - littledaz really knows his stuff! thanks again mate.

[littledaz]

Aw, shucks! You guys are giving me a complex. :(

 

Great news though. Out of interest davethecabbie, did you do it yourself or did Fords do it?

It is embarrassing for the dealer when the owners know more than them. :lol:

[tim-spam]

Sealey part number TC3307 - alternator pulley tool -

[tim-spam]

Many older cars (including VAG Group diesels) used to have a spring tensioner for the accessory belt and a telescopic damper to damp out the vibrations. On the old Mercedes 190D, the damper lasts anywhere between one and four years, and when it fails, there is one heck of a rattle / knock at idling speed, together with the telltale oil leak from the damper.

 

My guess is that that the rotating mass of the alternator rotor is now used as the damper, which seems a pretty neat idea (until it fails, that is), as it is a much simpler installation than using a telescopic damper. I do not think that this system is unique to VAG, as the Sealey tool specification lists several different makes using Bosch alternators. This tool also includes the small spline key to counterhold the rotor shaft.

[davethecabbie]

hi little daz,unfortunately i did the replacement myself so i was unable to rub fords noses in it.once again thanks a lot

[littledaz]

My guess is that that the rotating mass of the alternator rotor is now used as the damper, which seems a pretty neat idea (until it fails, that is)

I found this snippet of info that may help people understand why a freewheeling pulley is fitted.

 

I liked the quote that the "freewheeling pulley is a wearing part which typically requires replacment after 90000km". :ph34r:

 

Sealey part number TC3307 - alternator pulley tool -

[tim-spam]

You're right - whilst it was advertised as a Sealey tool, it is in fact made by Laser. I would guess that they will be more widely stocked now that these pulleys are becoming more widespread in their use. Who knows - the dealers may even learn how to properly diagnose the symptoms. No, sorry - they obviously make much more money replacing steering racks, etc.

[Smilge]

Just like to thank you for your expertise littledaz ..... thanks m8 :ph34r:

[jackthehat.co.uk]

Hello folks (and littledaz of course).

 

Just an update to let you know that at the moment my Galaxy is still OK after replacing the spring tensioner and belt. I have heard the odd strange noise when steering is at full lock recently but as of yet the main problem hasn't returned. That doesn't mean I am not expecting it to happen... I have no more confidence in this car. I'll let you know when the problem starts up again so we can resume our talk about the dreaded alternator clutch replacement.

Edited February 9, 2007 by jackthehat.co.uk

[Brookydave]

I have the same problem. My '98 90hp tdi has a 028 903 025S alternator. The pulley is really small , looks very simple and appears to be retained with a hex headed bolt. I presume this is not a freewheeling pulley? Does this mean the alternator bearing requires replacement. Any help apppreciated

Thanks

Dave.

[Tonyk]

I have had this problem to - my drive belt got shredded to pieces. I gave the alternator detail to Volkswagon (028 903 026G alternator on MK1 GhiaX 1.9tdi 110 AFN) and they quoted me

[littledaz]

Hi Tonyk,

 

I have checked today at work as the parts system is more up to date. You DO have a freewheeling alternator pulley part no. 028 903 119 AA and yes it is

Edited February 19, 2007 by littledaz

[adrianf.]

I have tested my alternator blades and they turn fine in a clockwise direction but am getting strange noises when alternator is under load but not from power stearing.

Thinking it may be the tensioner but any other thoughts guys woiuld br great.

[tim-spam]

If your alternator pulley is OK, then the noise is most likely due to a weak tensioner - how much movement is there when the engine is idling?

[adrianf.]

The tensioner moves about 10 - 15 mm in total at a rough guess i would say

[tim-spam]

That certainly seems excessive. Is the engine running smoothly and the pulleys running true - if they are, then it would point to a weak tensioner. Another possibility is the main crank pulley / vibration damper.

[galaxyowner]

Hi JacktheHat

My 02 Galaxy is going in on Monday to replace the tensioner. Just checking - how much did you (or anyone else) pay to get this job done?

I've been quoted