Belt snapped

[manjax]

I had PAS & alternator belts changed by mechanic 4 weeks ago when I purchased the car as belt was squealing. Today, the alternator belt ripped apart taking the PAS belt off at the same time. The breakdown recovery company told me that it is either a fault belt (here's hoping) or the bottom pulley is jammed. Not being overly mechanical, can anyone tell me what the "bottom pulley" if likely to be so I can prepare myself for the nasty shock price I am likely to be quoted by the mechanic. Any help appreciated. Car is 1.9 Ibiza S TDI

 

[cupraspark]

reply

Hi mate what you want to do when you look where the belts are you will see your alternator top right that is the thing with all the windings inside that charges your battery
check to see iff that spins freely it should spin up by hand with no tight spots.
The next thing to make sure is free is your power steering pump pully that is below your alternator that should spin freely.
The other pulley that you will to the left off the other two is the crankshaft damper pulley thats not the problem.
To replace the belts are dead easy just make sure you buy good Quality belts some thing like Gates are a good make Alternator (drive Belt) is self tensioning power steering you have to undo the tensioner looks like crockidile teeth with a bolt that lock it.

 

[manjax]

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately the alternator bearings have disintegrated and the alternator needs replacing. I am now trying to source a recon unit as was dismayed by the price of a new one! If anybody can recommend anywhere in the Stoke-on-Trent area I would be grateful

 

[Seat-Chris]

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately the alternator bearings have disintegrated and the alternator needs replacing. I am now trying to source a recon unit as was dismayed by the price of a new one! If anybody can recommend anywhere in the Stoke-on-Trent area I would be grateful

try these CMS 01332371819 there a vw specialist in Derby where im based, ive seen theyve got staks off alternators but not sure if they have a 1.9tdi one worth a ring though

 

[manjax]

Thanks for that. I now have my car running again with reconditioned alternator. Just goes to show - think there must have been a fault on it when I bought the car privately just over a month ago - even sounds different. I never realised what havock a broken one could wreak - steering, battery charge and water pump simultaneously - not an experience I would care to repeat...

 

[CraigW]

I got a brand spanking new alternator a couple of months ago for £65 including delivery!!