The sound of crickets

[Khyron]

Re: The sound of crickets

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2316096

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2563084

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2196271

DIY - guy used a VR6 alt instead:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2553089

Looks like the labor on a 1.8T is a lot more than a VR/TDI and new part is crazy like our MAFs.

Khyron

[Stonewall]

Re: The sound of crickets

Derick the bearing seems to be the common thing to go. Rarely should a full alternator need to be replaced but I read that if you don't fix that bearing when you hear the problem it can cause way bigger problems. An alternators life should be a very very long time, really the only things that can go wrong are the regulator and brushes which shouldn't fail for what I would guess is 10 years or so. As for aftermarket I think they are just about the same price lol

[Derick]

Re: The sound of crickets

Derick the bearing seems to be the common thing to go. Rarely should a full alternator need to be replaced but I read that if you don't fix that bearing when you hear the problem it can cause way bigger problems. An alternators life should be a very very long time, really the only things that can go wrong are the regulator and brushes which shouldn't fail for what I would guess is 10 years or so. As for aftermarket I think they are just about the same price lol

Geoff, thanks for the links. At least there's a little comfort in knowing that what I was quoted is somewhat "standard" for everyone else. My first thought when he gave me the quote was that he must think I'm a complete sucker The advisor at the dealership has been pretty cool with me since I started bringing my car there, so I'll talk to him tomorrow to see if I can work something out. If not, I may just take the car back and limp over to a local Euro shop in my neighborhood to get the alt rebuilt there. I truly wish I could attempt that DIY, but alas limited tools and workspace here makes it impossible

Yeah Brent, that makes total sense about the bearings, brushes, and regulator. It kills me to have to buy a new unit after only 4 yrs!

And now to pour more salt in the wound, my girlfriends Jetta just started making the same noise last night!!!

[Stonewall]

Re: The sound of crickets

Ouch, just like last weekend after changing the wifes tensioner I noticed mine was bad lol there goes anyother $130.

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: The sound of crickets

A girlfriend eh Derick?!?!?!?