In Need Of An Alternator Or Alternator Pulley

[peterdemski]

I had noticed some noise at idle recently which went away when the RPM's went above idle.  I had also noted the belt tensioner bobbing a little bit at idle which I assumed was the spring in the tensioner starting to go.  I had ordered a new belt and tensioner however I got a call from my wife that the van started shuddering then all the lights came on and it wouldn't accelerate very much.  Apparently this was the alternator pulley coming apart and the belt coming off.

 

Does anyone happen to have a working alternator they would sell?  Eurocarparts wants £300 for a new one which I would like to avoid.  Also is this something anyone has seen before?  I was going to look at replacing just the pulley however with the metal shavings I thought it would be best to replace the entire alternator.

 

 

 

[peterdemski]

tried to attach a picture of what I found.

[bignev]

Hi there,

I got a new alternator with pulley for my 3.3 from a company in Preston, Lancs, West Lancs Auto Electric Retail Ltd, fantastic service, approx £140 if I remember right, delivered, and return courier for the old one.

 

Yours looks like a diesel though from that pic.

 

Try the site, they will email you a price, and they didn't sell my details for marketing!!!

Edited October 20, 2017 by bignev

[gordy]

Now there's a thing. I was running with this odd noise from the vicinity of the auxiliary belts and pulleys for about 2 years till I got to bottom of it. Sitting in a Wicks car park this Voyager came in and it was louder that mine but I wasn't sure of the repair required. Well I had purchased a replacement Alternator of fleebay from a breaker for £120, maybe a lot but it was like new. Anyway my friend removed the Alternator (well I continue to be knackered with back pain), and checked the belt tensioner which was found to be ok. Alternator replaced with new belts and god what a difference, as I can hear myself think now. So it wasn't the alternator pulley which was still clutching but the bearings in the alternator were what looks like dried out as shaft was stiff. So if your running with a loud hum from engine check the alternator.

[bignev]

On our petrol the rather loud "ruh ruh ruh etc" noise only came on when it was loaded, either AC on or in gear, but raise revs and away it went.

 

But sounded terminal for some component! 

 

It still spun no trouble at all when I took it off!! Then silent with the new one on...... ah bliss.

[peterdemski]

I was able to source an alternator about a 90minute drive away which I am expecting to pickup tomorrow.  I appreciate all the quick replies and information.  It sounds like this is likely a common problem for these vehicles.

[bignev]

Yep, the clutch pulley isn't un-common on lots of vehicles now.

 

As you found, if you catch it early enough you could just change the pulley if that's the only fault.

[gordy]

It's been mentioned particularly on the dote com forum (chryslerforum.com) that there is a problem taking this pulley off and welding is required to weld the two parts together so it can be either screwed off or pulled off. So take this into consideration.

[bignev]

I didn't buy it but there's a special tool for holding and removal, as I hope I won't be doing it again any time soon!!

[mikebh8]

The problem is the position where it is fitted, is always in contact with water...add some grease on the replacement it will help in the future

[peterdemski]

Just wanted to post a followup on this.  I had replaced the alternator which was surprisingly easy to reach compared to most of the other components.  Upon putting everything back together I noticed the belt tensioner was still wobbly at low RPM's so I replaced the alternator tensioner as well.  I had to drop the motor off the motor mount to get the tensioner out due to clearance.  All seems well and the new tensioner was noticeably stiffer than the old one.

[cerbie]

@@bignev

 

I read with interest your comments regarding the alternator.

 

I have a 2003 3.3 LX and this noise has been a problem for some time, it sounds like chitty, chitty bang bang just waiting for the backfire. I have replaced the tensioner, idler pulley and belt and noticed at the time slight play in the water pump pulley so that was going to be the next thing to try.

 

Sitting in a car park thinking what it could be (as you do) switching the AC on and off I put it into gear with the break on, the noise stopped. Searching the forum found this topic and wondered if the problem could be the alternator, is there anything I can do to check this or is it case of just replacing it?

 

Any comments or suggestions welcome.

 

Thanks

 

Graeme

[bignev]

Hi Graeme,

the noise on mine got much WORSE in gear or AC on, I'll have a think and reply more tonight.

 

My water pump was actually leaking last year but made no noise!

[cerbie]

Thank you for your prompt response.

 

Based on your comments I went to check again this morning and unsurprising you are correct the noise gets LOUDER with AC on and in gear, teach me to post after midnight....

 

With the bonnet up, AC on and in gear, the noise comes from the belt area but there are no obvious signs of the cause.

 

Thanks

 

Graeme

[bignev]

Hee hee! Yep I'm not at my best at that time either!

As you've done the tensioner and idler it stands a good chance it is the alternator, as said previously you could just do the pulley but you'll need the tool.

I got my alternator from West Lancashire Auto Electrics in Preston, I've just given them a call and they have a rebuilt one for £145 Inc vat. I forgot to ask but that may include delivery, and if it's the same deal as mine you send them your old one back in the box, with a pre paid carrier label.

Or a new one for £190 approx.

Their number is 01772 369119.

[cerbie]

OK thank you.

 

The alternator looks like the original as I haven't changed it under my ownership of 8 years and 55k miles, so the bearings might feel a little sorry for themselves.

 

Previously in the topic you mentioned West Lancs Auto and in my post midnight messaging session I filled in their form and they responded at 7:02am this morning (wow), at which point after your message I confirmed I had put in the right information   this was their quote;

 

Option 1 £198.00 Option 2 £144.00 Option 1

New Premium Brand Alternator sourced from one of the industry’s leading aftermarket suppliers, which would be compatible with ALL the leading brands in the aftermarket including Lucas, Bosch and Remy (which are in the main rebuilt exchange units).

Option 2

Original equipment remanufactured Alternator sourced from one of the industry’s leading aftermarket suppliers, which would be compatible with new.

Both options include VAT and are covered by the same 18 Month Warranty* and in most cases with free delivery to the UK main land.

 

RockAuto's prices range from £81 to £276 + Carriage + VAT for a new one, so bit of a no brainer really.

 

So alternator it is, I'll let you know how I get on.

 

Many thanks

 

Graeme

[cerbie]

Noise update.

 

Well, I ordered an alternator from West Lancs Auto and it arrived the next day complete with all return details, the date you have to return it by and a lollipop! You have fourteen days to change the alternator (this can be extended by contacting them), once changed the old one is packed in the same packaging and taken to your local DPD collection. Cost is included in the original price, pleasure to do business with such an efficient company.

 

Anyway the noise, having taken the belt off there was no immediate evidence of the issue until I spun the pulley it was not spinning true as if it was bent not sure if this is the bearings or the shaft. Hooray no noise  , odd to drive the car without it singing to you bad news is you can now hear the other noises  !!!

 

I will have a go at loading a video later.

 

Thank you to all who have contributed to this forum I have been viewing it for advice for years.

 

Graeme

[bignev]

Cracking mate!

Good to hear West Lancs Auto are as great a service as they were for me!

Shame the other noises are now audible though hee hee

Edited July 27, 2019 by bignev

[brit644]

I got one for 2.8 from a guy in sheffield [on ebay..only does alternators] 65 inc [big amp one] ship and return label for exchange