Volkswagen Passat (2001 - 2005) - 2003 1.9 Alternator

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Tue 20 Jan 2009 10:07
2003 1.9 Alternator - dillan
Help me, my 2003 (52plate) passat has broken down with the same problem 3 times in 6 months each time I get told it is the tensioner?? and it costs me £300-400 to get it fixed, I can't believe it is the same thing each time. When it breaks down it comes up alternator workshop and the power steering goes completely so it is nigh impossible to steer, although the car starts perfectly. Help me please, oh by the way I am female and my mechanical knowledge is limited!!
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Tue 20 Jan 2009 11:30
2003 1.9 Alternator - Peter D
Long shot. The alternator is fitted with a spragg clutch, a one way clutch, if this has seized then it thrashes the belt and the tensioner. The clutch can be checked in situe. The tensioners are good for 100,000/150,000 but best changes with the second cam belt change as removing the front of the car just for a tensioner makes it very expensive. Regards Peter
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