04 V50 2.0d alternator change

[slyman]

Looked everywhere for help with this topic, to no avail so thought i'd run through it for anyone struggling like i did (unfamiliar vehicle).
1 Remove the engine cover
2 The diesel filter to the left of the inlet pipework has a crash guard, remove (3bolts)
3 Remove the electrical connection to the filter housing and the torx screw holding the loom support on the lhs
4 The filter housing will now (given a little encouragement and wd40) slide up and away from the bottom of the crash guard. flip it over and move it out of the way (maybe tie it with a piece of string!)
5 The bottom half of the crash guard may now be removed from the top of the alternator (2screws)
6 Jack up the car and remove the adjacent wheel, then the engine pan (mine annoyingly had 3 different screw types but don't imagine that was standard)
7 To release the drive belt i used a 600mm length of 25x50mm (24" of 1x2). From under the car place the timber at the front of the idler pulley and against the steering pump pulley and a little pressure will release the tension, flip the belt of the steering pump pulley.
8 Remove the 2 alternator bolts at the top and using a long screwdriver or similar, ease the alternator body towards you to allow easy access to the bottom bolt (16mm)
9 Wiggle the alternator body to the left and just as the front pulley is about to make contact with the body, hey presto, a twist and it's free and clear.

If you've gone to all this trouble, you're obviously looking to save a few quid so my advise is check the listings (yellow pages, yell.com etc) and find a local alternator specialist. He quoted me £45 incl vat to repair my unit or £95 incl vat for an exchange with 1 year guarantee (march 2013 prices), whereas the cheapest unit from the local factors (Europarts) was about £130 excl vat.

Hope this helps someone
Thanks

[pmd203]

Did this on boxing day after alternator failed on Xmas eve. Very helpful post, thanks!

Always different ways of doing things so here's what I did differently. Note that I did this with a helper.

1. completely removed fuel filter rather than tying up out of the way
2. Did not remove engine tray, did remove guard inside wheel arch for access from underneath.
*main difference* 3. Used 17mm ring spanner on idler pulley bolt from underneath to release tension. Repeated this after removing alternator and (with help) placed small Allen key in lugs on idler to keep the tension off while rerouting belt. Removed Allen key with eagle beak pliers after routing belt.
4. Used 5mm Allen key to loosen clamp on the pivot stud at bottom of alternator (had to swap the pivot stud onto new alternator)

Seriously recommend investing in 16mm ratchet ring spanner for alternator bolts due to limited clearance. Possible without, but easier with.

[pmd203]

Also to make the link I had the warning message "urgent power system service required" and red battery icon 1 day before, then same message but also anti skid disabled when it last worked to check the charging voltage (down to 12.5v). Then completely died, not even power to central locking, and would not jump start. Turns out it was a faulty diode which basically caused a short and the alternator to become a heating element whenever voltage applied. Check how hot the alternator gets.

[coupi]

Originally Posted by pmd203

Also to make the link I had the warning message "urgent power system service required" and red battery icon 1 day before, then same message but also anti skid disabled when it last worked to check the charging voltage (down to 12.5v). Then completely died, not even power to central locking, and would not jump start. Turns out it was a faulty diode which basically caused a short and the alternator to become a heating element whenever voltage applied. Check how hot the alternator gets.

What replacement alternator did you go for?

[benr7310]

I went for a denso unit from carparts less, as they had a good promo code on

[KristapsL]

Thanks for your posts! It was very helpfull.

Just finished my alternator change by my self in about 2h.

I managed to do it without jacking up the car or removing wheel, engine pan or guard inside wheel arch. Only with access from the top. I had car on a car lift, but turns out you can manage without it.

Not sure if it was easiest way or completely technically correct tho.

(7) Like pmd203 I managed to release tensioner using 17 mm ratchet with offset ring spanner on pulley's screw and pushing towards back. Don't be afraid to unscrew pulley because it has left thread. I used small screw to fix tensioner in off tension position.

Than after replacing alternator and rearranging belt, to remove screw I used steel rod wrapped in towel between steering pump pulley and tensioner pulley. Pushed on the rod with one hand and puled out screw with needle nose pliers in other.

Hope it helps.