Possible knackered Alernator

[Ben Nichols 1979]

Hi all

My battery light is on and a belt is squealing. Think Alternator is on its way out.

Is it a big job to replace?

Thanks

[andreas395]

is a bit of a bitch mate take the drivers side light out and maybe the bonnet to give yourself some room, give the bolts a good spray my bracket bolt snapped and made the job a mission to get the alternator out :(

[Ben Nichols 1979]

Renault want £297 inc vat to supply and fit, he told me it's a fixed price. Worth it you think?

[andreas395]

Quite harsh mate do it yourself if you feel confidant I would not pay that

[16v_paddy]

Renault want £297 inc vat to supply and fit, he told me it's a fixed price. Worth it you think?

:shock: Robbing bastards! A genuine Valeo item, albeit from a factors is around £100 on exchange. The only tricky part of doing it yourself is getting a trimmed down 7mm allen key & undoing the tensioner

EDIT: In fact you can just chop the belt & replace it with a new one in the process, still got the tricky part of the tensioner though

[Ben Nichols 1979]

Ok thanks guys. Is there a guide on here? Haynes manual any help?

[16v_paddy]

No guide that I know of but an exploded drawing might help

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq165/16v_paddy/2012/Dialogys%20pics/Alternator_zpse9e5db6e.png

and the tensioner

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq165/16v_paddy/2012/Dialogys%20pics/tensionerforretards_zps69e306db.png

[MatBrown]

Piece of cake to do really.

[Wobba]

Easy. Don't pay anyone to do that.

If the belt is squealing it might just need a new belt and to be re-tensioned. If it's slipping very badly the alternator won't be getting drive so won't be charging battery.

EDIT: As paddy says the tensioner is the fiddly bit. I use a 10mm ratchet spanner with a special bit adapter on from Halfords and I just put a hex bit in there. You can jack the engine up a bit from the sump to get better access. Just take your time and think things through.

[willy3ams]

Check the 'How to' in guides. There's a good step by step I did a few years back.