Golf Mk3 Alternator turboprop sounds...

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Mon 8 Mar 2004 10:46
Golf Mk3 Alternator turboprop sounds... - mab23

Hi,

I have a 96 P 1.8 Golf, and I've started getting a noise like an aeroplane propellor from the left hand side of the engine. The frequency of the noise is related to the engine speed.

I think from "listening" to various parts with a long screwdriver it's the alternator that's the cause, there's certainly some vibration coming from there.

Could I fix this by taking the alternator apart, or replacing it?

I have the Haynes manual for the Golf but this suggests the way to remove the alternator is by undoing something under the car (PAS pump?) and removing the two auxilliary drive belts from there. Not having the proper ramps/jacks etc I would rather work from the top of the engine rather than the bottom. Is it possible to remove the alternator from the top of the engine?

Any advice appreciated.

Mike
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Mon 8 Mar 2004 10:59
Golf Mk3 Alternator turboprop sounds... - Mark (RLBS)
Not knowing the engine, can you remove the fan belt to prevent the alternator spinning ?

At least that would tel you for sure if its causing the noise.

You would also be able to tell if you were getting a noise when spinning the alternator by hand without the belt holding it still.
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Mon 8 Mar 2004 13:44
Golf Mk3 Alternator turboprop sounds... - mab23
Hi Mark,

That\'s a good idea... I could remove the belt by undoing some of the bolts holding the alternator down and rotating the alternator to allow the belt off. The alternator should then spin freely.

I just don\'t want to get half way through the operation and get to an \"oh sugar\" moment where the belt is only half-off the alternator, but I can\'t get the belt back on properly to make the car driveable...

Mike
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Mon 8 Mar 2004 14:23
Golf Mk3 Alternator turboprop sounds... - Mapmaker
You don't need a ramp etc. All you need is a good high curb (even a low one will do). Put one side of the car on the curb, and then you've got more room than you know what to do with (and no risk that some PFD will drive into your car and knock it off the stands whilst you're under it...)
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