Changing the altenator on a V70
 

Hi,

Just thought I would share my task this morning of changing the alternator on my V70.

The alternator started making a rhythmic grumble on idle so with 165k it was due to be looked at.

I looked at how it would come out. But gone are the days when you removed 3 bolts and a couple of wires and could finish in 20min.

First I disconnected the battery and then took off the belt and I also recommend removing the top radiator hose and unbolt the power steering pump (3 bolts hidden behind the pulley) and gently swing it out of the way. Remove the top 2 long bolts on the air con pump and loosen the bottom 2. then it is only the alternator top bolt.

Examining the old alternator I was shocked at the condition of the pulley. It free-wheeled both ways and seemed to be further out on the shaft. Removing the end dust cap I wondered if there was anything missing (see pic). If there is then it has been missing for over 70k.

Other than the grumbling noise I have had no problems with battery charge so I think I was lucky (for once!).


Bob
PS. Only problem I had was the serpentine belt seemed to be 6in too long! Make a note of how it winds round the pulleys before taking it off!

Every car seems different. On the D5 the thing that gets in the way most is the air hose from the intercooler. A third hand would be a big help getting at the top compressor screws.
There are four screws behind my p/s pump. That pulley looks like the original fitted to my car. The newer ones have a wider front flange. I've never seen a pulley that went both ways. More usual is they lock both ways. Surprised it managed to charge at all.
I think these parts should be changed with the timing belt. When you can find a service life most manufacturers fall in the range 60-100 thousand miles.
Now that I finally have got the knack, fitting the locking pin in the tensioner makes the whole affair much less of a seige catapult job. I believe the tension in the petrols is a lot less so perhaps not such a big deal.
I replaced my pulley at 96k to cure a crickety clickety noise at idle and recently, 140k had the bearings replaced to cure a whine, which didn't. Probably a good idea to do them anyway at that mileage.

I recently did my clutch pulley but mine was because the clutch had seized so there was no freewheeling which created stress on the belt and made an annoying noise.
My before and after vids are here.
http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showpo...5&postcount=26
I did the belt and tensioner/idler too, so that should be it for a few years.
I found removing and replacing the alternator awkward but oddly enjoyable and satisfying once done.