Faulty Alternator Tensioner

[pauleaton16]

Hi all

 

I've recently purchased my mk2 (55reg), 1.9 TDI galaxy and unfortunately been having some problems already. I've just had the cambelt changed and in the last couple of days i noticed a knocking noise coming from the engine. Took it back to the garage and they confirmed it was the alternator tensioner (Pulley). I was told they should be around 40 to 50 pound for a new one however looking online all i can find are ones for around 150 pounds. Does anyone know of any good websites to buy the tensioner from. Maybe i'm not searching for the correct name and not finding the correct item?

[Bigjeeze]

Hi all

 

I've recently purchased my mk2 (55reg), 1.9 TDI galaxy and unfortunately been having some problems already. I've just had the cambelt changed and in the last couple of days i noticed a knocking noise coming from the engine. Took it back to the garage and they confirmed it was the alternator tensioner (Pulley). I was told they should be around 40 to 50 pound for a new one however looking online all i can find are ones for around 150 pounds. Does anyone know of any good websites to buy the tensioner from. Maybe i'm not searching for the correct name and not finding the correct item?

 

 

Try GSF or Euro Carparts - should be around the

[gregers]

I've recently purchased my mk2 (55reg)

 

how long ago?

from where,private or dealer?

is it under warrenty?

[pauleaton16]

I've recently purchased my mk2 (55reg)

 

how long ago?

from where,private or dealer?

is it under warrenty?

 

i purchased the vehicle about 1 month ago from a company called Exclusive motor company based in peterborough. It came with an in house warranty which so far they've purchased a new cam sensor for me. I had to purchase a new cambelt as i didnt want to take any risks loosing the engine and now the alternator tensioner has gone. I'm assuming they also call this a timing belt tensioner?

[gregers]

mmm well under the sale of goods act(iirc 28 day ruling)do check this on the internet,they must rectify all faults that you find so if its still within this time phone them and explain the problems you have found time is the essance here,and check there isnt any others,under the warrenty then any other faults if covered by the warrenty will/should be covered(check the small print on whats covered ?).

 

when i done mine,i found that the tensioner was cheaper from vw,

if you have a noise like mice then maybe the alternator pully needs replacing aswell,the alternator pully was cheaper from gsf then vw.but you will also need the pully tool to do this yourself,if you were nearer you couldve borrowed mine.

[adie_baby]

Hi Paul,

 

I work for Unipart Automotive & this is a component that we do.

If you can email me with your full registration number uawellington@talktalk.net

I will then check the part and give you your Special Galaxy Owners Club Discount.

 

It is important to check the alternator pulley (also available from us) as when this seizes it does cause the tensioner to fail and would void any warranty from any supplier.

 

I would also suspect that if you just had cambelt done this has played a part as it would have been removed and if it has not been removed using the correct tools it can damage them.

 

You will also find tensioner problems get worse when the dark nights/mornings come along with the cold weather, as naturally more electrical load is on the Alternator due to lights, A/C, Heated screens, Aux heater etc all kick in!

Crankshaft Pulley is also another item that can fail as they are called "Torsional Vibration Dampers" on this model. Basically two pieces of metal bonded with rubber to absorb the vibrations from the Crank & stop them affecting the Auxilliary Drive.

 

I'm waffling now! so I'll end it there! lol

 

send us an email paul and anyone else needing parts.

 

Ade

Edited November 23, 2011 by adie_baby

[adie_baby]

I've recently purchased my mk2 (55reg)

 

how long ago?

from where,private or dealer?

is it under warrenty?

 

i purchased the vehicle about 1 month ago from a company called Exclusive motor company based in peterborough. It came with an in house warranty which so far they've purchased a new cam sensor for me. I had to purchase a new cambelt as i didnt want to take any risks loosing the engine and now the alternator tensioner has gone. I'm assuming they also call this a timing belt tensioner?

Timing Belt Tensioner and Alt Tensioner are 2 different parts.

One would hope that a Timing Belt Kit had been fitted not just a belt....... false economy not to.